When it comes to protecting your home, you need to know that any work carried out by locksmiths is genuine and completed to a high standard, but in recent years, locksmith scams have become increasingly common across the UK.
Fake locksmiths are exploiting online advertising, AI-generated content, fake reviews, associations and more to mislead customers, often at moments of stress, such as being locked out of their home.
If you ever need a locksmith, especially in an emergency, understanding how these scams work can help you avoid being overcharged or pressured into unnecessary work. But how can you tell the professionals from the cowboys?
Updated for 2026: This post has been updated in January 2026 with the latest information to help you to avoid locksmith scams.
How Modern Locksmith Scams Operate
Many locksmith scams follow a similar pattern, often referred to as bait and switch:
- A very low price is advertised online or quoted over the phone
- The locksmith arrives and claims the job is more complex than expected
- Drilling or full lock replacement is presented as the only option
- Costs escalate quickly, sometimes reaching thousands of pounds
These situations are particularly difficult for elderly or vulnerable customers, who may feel they have little choice once someone is already on site.
Scammers Abusing Google Ads
A growing number of scam locksmiths rely on Google Ads to appear at the very top of search results. They often operate multiple “businesses” under different names, all routing calls to the same operation.
These adverts can look convincing and frequently promote prices such as:
- “Locks from £25”
- “£49 Lock Change”
- “Locksmith from £39”
Here’s an example of what these adverts can look like:
While this can be appealing at first glance, these prices are not realistic for professional locksmith services. The low cost is used to secure the call-out, not to reflect the final bill. Once on site, customers may be told the price must increase substantially due to supposed complications.
To reduce the risk:
- Look beyond the first advert in search results
- Be cautious of prices that seem unrealistically low
- Check whether the business has a genuine presence outside paid advertising
AI-Generated Images: A Key Red Flag
One increasingly common warning sign is the use of AI-generated imagery on locksmith websites.
Scam operations can now create multiple websites in a very short time and fill them with artificial, stock-like images designed to appear professional. Common indicators include:
- The same “locksmith” appearing on multiple unrelated websites
- Faces, hands, or tools that look unnatural or distorted
- Odd poses or incorrect use of tools
- No real photos of vans, uniforms, or completed work
Legitimate locksmiths typically feature real photographs of themselves, their vehicles, and their work. AI-generated images are often used because these websites are designed to be short-lived and easily replaced.
The Rapid Rise of AI-Powered Scam Websites
Advances in AI have made it easier than ever for scammers to launch convincing locksmith websites in a matter of days. With automated website builders, AI-written text, fake reviews, and fabricated business details, a single operation can create dozens of “local” locksmith brands at once.
These sites often disappear after a few weeks, only to reappear under new names, making it difficult for customers, and authorities, to keep up.
Unmarked Vehicles, No Uniform, and Lack of Identification
A further warning sign is a locksmith arriving in an unmarked vehicle, without a uniform or any visible company identification.
Most established locksmiths present themselves consistently, both online and in person. This usually includes:
- Sign written vans or cars with business details
- Branded uniforms or workwear
- Clear identification that matches the business name used online or over the phone
Scam operations often avoid branding or uniforms because they:
- Operate under multiple trading names
- Change identities frequently
- Do not want to be easily identifiable after a job
In some cases, the individual attending may not be able to clearly explain who they work for, or their clothing and vehicle branding may not match the company website or advert. These inconsistencies should raise concerns, particularly when combined with other red flags such as unrealistic pricing, pressure tactics, or vague contact details.
If a locksmith cannot clearly demonstrate who they represent when they arrive, it may be sensible to pause the work and seek a second opinion before allowing any work to begin.
Missing Terms & Conditions (and Other Legal Pages
A simple but surprisingly effective check is to look for the basics a legitimate business normally provides, such as:
- Terms and Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- Cookie Policy
- A clear refund / complaints process
Scam websites often don’t include these pages at all, or they link to generic placeholder text that doesn’t match the business name, location, or services offered. In many cases, it’s a sign the site has been created quickly and is not designed to operate as a proper long-term business.
On its own, a missing Ts & Cs page doesn’t prove a scam, but combined with other red flags (unrealistic prices, fake reviews, AI imagery) it’s a strong warning sign.
Fake Review Scores
Another common tactic is displaying thousands of five-star reviews directly on the website.
These reviews are often:
- Not linked to independent platforms
- Impossible to verify
- Inconsistent with the business’s apparent trading history
Unlike legitimate locksmiths, who build their reputation over time through genuine customer feedback, scam operations frequently invent review scores without providing links to platforms such as Google Reviews or Trustpilot.
If reviews cannot be independently verified, it’s wise to be sceptical.
Fake Affiliations with Trusted Brands and Police
Some scam locksmith websites claim affiliations with well-known security brands or organisations, displaying logos to appear credible. Common examples include major lock manufacturers, or claims of working alongside trusted institutions or Police. If they claim to be “Police Recommended”, this is unlikely to be true – Police do not recommend specific locksmiths.
Here’s an example of an ad that shows an unverified affiliation with “Authorities”:
Unless the locksmith is listed on the official website of that brand or organisation as an approved partner, these claims should be treated with caution and independently verified.
Real-World Examples We See Across the UK
At LockRite, we attend tens of thousand of jobs per year, and we regularly attend jobs across the UK where customers have wisely decided to seek a second opinion after becoming concerned about a quote they were given.
In one recent case, an elderly customer contacted us after another firm attended and quoted £2,500 once on site. She had already been charged £106.80 for the call-out alone and felt uncomfortable proceeding.
Our locksmith completed the same work – a straightforward euro cylinder lock replacement, for £150, without drilling or damage.
Unfortunately, cases like this are not isolated and reflect a wider national issue.
How to Protect Yourself from Locksmith Scams
To reduce the risk of falling victim to a locksmith scam, consider the following steps:
- Look beyond the first advert in search results
- Be wary of locksmiths advertising unrealistically low prices
- Check for a genuine business address and contact details
- Look for real photos rather than generic or AI-generated images
- Search for reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot and Reviews.io.
- Verify any claimed brand or organisational affiliations
- Ask for identification and a clear quote before work begins
Cash-Only Jobs and the Importance of Receipts
Some locksmiths do accept cash, but you should be cautious if a locksmith insists on cash-only payment and is unwilling or unable to provide a proper receipt.
A legitimate locksmith should be able to issue a receipt that includes:
- The business name
- A verifiable address or service area
- Contact details
- A clear breakdown of the work carried out and costs
Without a receipt, you have no record of who completed the work and no practical way to raise concerns if something goes wrong. Reluctance to provide written confirmation of payment or details of the job should be treated as a warning sign.
Lack of Guarantees and Accountability
A professional locksmith should be willing to explain what guarantee or warranty applies to their work.
Clear guarantees provide reassurance that:
- The work has been completed to an appropriate standard
- Any issues identified later will be addressed
- The business stands behind its service
If a locksmith avoids discussing aftercare, guarantees, or what happens if something goes wrong, it may indicate a lack of accountability.
A Common Claim About Call Centres – and Why It’s Not Always Accurate
Some articles suggest that if you contact a locksmith and reach a call centre, or if the work is carried out by a subcontractor, it’s automatically a red flag and proof the locksmith isn’t local.
That claim isn’t entirely accurate.
Many legitimate locksmith companies operate using local locksmiths under a recognised brand, with a central call centre acting as an overflow service. This simply means that if a locksmith is on a job, driving, or unable to answer the phone safely, calls are handled by a central team so customers aren’t left waiting. The locksmith attending is still local and accountable, and the arrangement often improves availability and response times.
A legitimate call centre will happily answer questions you may have regarding:
- A call out fee (if they have one)
- Labour cost
- A rough estimate on pricing based on the details of the job
- The locksmith who’ll be attending and their contact details
Where problems arise is when there is no transparency. In scam operations, the call centre often cannot confirm who will attend, where they’re based, or who is responsible if something goes wrong. That lack of clarity, not the existence of a call centre itself, is the real warning sign.
Final Thoughts
Locksmith scams cause real financial and emotional harm, particularly to elderly and vulnerable people. They also undermine trust in the wider trade.
A professional locksmith should be transparent, properly trained, and willing to explain options clearly without pressure. Taking a few extra minutes to verify who you are dealing with can prevent significant problems later.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and ensure you receive a professional, trustworthy service when you need it most.
