Urgent locksmith scam warning as complaints jump 66 per cent

With vulnerable victims reportedly being conned out of hundreds of pounds, insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket say knowing the warning signs could protect both your property and your wallet.

What is a locksmith scam?

Kara Gammell, Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, says rogue operators often take advantage of homeowners at their most stressed.

“If you’ve ever been locked out of your home, you’ll know how quickly panic can set in — and unfortunately, that’s exactly the moment rogue locksmiths are ready to exploit. These operators often draw people in with low quotes over the phone before dramatically increasing the price once they arrive, using a classic bait and switch tactic that can leave households paying far more than expected.”

She also warned that the problem can go beyond inflated fees.

“What’s more troubling is that some rogue locksmiths carry out unnecessary or poor-quality work, leaving properties more vulnerable and forcing people to spend even more money putting things right.”

Some scammers imitate genuine local businesses by copying names, logos and websites, making it harder for customers to verify who they are hiring.

“When you’re stressed and standing outside your home, it’s easy to make a snap decision — but taking a moment to check reviews carefully, confirm business details and get a clear price upfront can help you avoid paying over the odds for work that isn’t up to scratch.”

Does home insurance cover a locksmith?

Many homeowners assume their insurance will step in if something goes wrong. However, Kara says that is not usually the case.

“Home insurance typically excludes damage caused by tradespeople or emergency call-out services, which means that if a locksmith damages your property, it’s unlikely you’ll be covered for repairs or replacements.”

She adds: “Even policies that include accidental damage often exclude poor workmanship, leaving homeowners footing the bill when things go wrong.”

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Three warning signs of a rogue locksmith

1. Suspiciously low prices

If the quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

“According to Checkatrade, average locksmith prices are around £65 an hour, with emergency callout fees estimated to cost between £50 to £150. If a locksmith is advertising or offering a lower price than that, it’s most likely a scam.”

Low initial quotes can quickly escalate once the locksmith arrives.

2. Vague answers about costs or identity

“When you call a locksmith, the person on the phone should be able to tell you exactly who is coming out and how much the job will cost. You should always get a clear, upfront quote — not a vague estimate that leaves room for unexpected add-ons later.”

Kara warns that some rogue traders operate through call centres to appear local when they are not.

Consumers can check whether a locksmith is approved via the Master Locksmiths Association database.

3. False police claims

One of the biggest red flags is any claim of being “Police approved”.

“Some rogue locksmiths claim they’re Police approved or Police recommended — but this is simply not true. The Police never endorse or work with individual locksmith companies, so if you see this claim on a website, advert or van, it should be treated as an immediate red flag.”

She advises homeowners to walk away if such claims are made and instead seek a verified, reputable local locksmith.