Households are being warned about a sharp rise in locksmith scams, with some victims charged as much as £2,200 for gaining access to their own homes. The Guardian has reported multiple cases where rogue traders exploit people locked out of their properties.
Victim charged £2,209 after £45 promise
One victim, a mother with a baby, used a sponsored online result after getting locked out. The company's website listed prices starting at £45 and claimed to have “4,500-plus five-star reviews and counting.” The locksmith initially seemed pleasant but then insisted the internal mechanism of the high-security lock needed replacing, charging £2,209.
“I felt a bit sick,” she said. “He probably thought: ‘Here’s a mum with a baby in a stressful situation, I could charge what I like.’” Despite being generally “clued-up on scams,” she said her situation shows “it could literally happen to anyone.”
Complaints to MLA rise 147%
According to the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), the number of scams reported to the organisation rose by 147% between January and March 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. The MLA, a voluntary trade association, said complaints about suspected overcharging increased from 280 in 2023 to 350 in 2024 and 402 last year.
“We would always suggest the use of a local professional locksmith such as an MLA-approved company,” an MLA spokesperson said. “We would recommend you save the number of a local approved locksmith in your mobile phone so that you don't need to search for one when you need one.”
Impact on legitimate businesses
Kumas Naroei, of Islington Locksmiths, told the paper: “It’s really bad for us, because we get into arguments with the other locksmiths.” He added: “I put them under pressure. I don’t like people taking advantage of vulnerable customers. I’ll make sure they do the job even if I’m not getting paid.”
Consumers are urged to verify locksmith credentials before hiring and to avoid relying solely on sponsored online ads.
