Scammers using Legitimate Locksmith Company Names

So what’s in a name?

Well, when it comes to locksmithing quite a lot as it happens!

We’re unfortunately seeing an increasing number of instances where websites and companies are being set up with names that are very similar, or in some instances are exactly the same, as long-standing locksmith companies.

Companies try to fool customers

Other instances where companies are trying to fool customers into thinking they’re somebody they’re not is when they’re advertising using the address of a legitimate company.

They tend to use generic locksmith type names such as The Lock Shop and then an address a legitimate locksmith trades out of.

Concerned about locksmith pricing read out guide here

How do you know your being scammed?

The first the company being scammed knows is a phone call, or somebody coming into their shop asking them about a job they haven’t done (a lot of the time with the customer wanting to complain about how bad a job had been done).

So not only has the customer been duped but the legitimate company have too.

The customer may think they’re using a bonafide, well established, local vetted, inspected and qualified locksmith whereas they actually have no idea who they’ve used, due to misleading advertising or naming of companies.

Recent Scary Examples of scam locksmiths pretending to be a legit locksmith

One particularly scary example provided by one of our members is where work was done in a school by people purporting to be from their company, who were, in fact, nothing to do with them.

They even signed in under the name of the company! The potential ramifications of having unknown, probably unvetted people in a school environment are terrifying.

Another example we recently came across is MLA Licensed Locksmiths Capital Lock and Safe Ltd have been a victim of a scam locksmith advertising the same phone number and claiming to be trading within the same building!.

How to stop scam locksmiths

The answer is to always double check who it is you’re dealing with. Get to know your local locksmith and put their details on your phone.

If they’re an MLA licensed locksmith then you can easily check their details on our site by visiting the Find a locksmith page.

Ask the locksmith for ID and then verify their details. A legitimate locksmith should have no problem in you doing this, a scammer may struggle though.

Questions to ask a locksmith – avoid being scammed

1.  If anything things sound a bit suspicious when you ask the locksmith for an ID then ask questions

2. Be sure you know who you’re speaking to and who it is that you’re getting to do your work.

3.  If things don’t feel right then contact the legitimate company using contact details you find yourself rather than any they provide.