The 49 driller killer': steps to avoid locksmith scams

"Rogue locksmiths operating in an unregulated industry draw in customers by advertising low prices—49 is a figure that comes up often. Once the work is done they present their victims with invoices for 10 times the cost. The Master Locksmith Association (MLA), a UK trade body, says the number of scams reported to it has risen steadily over the last five years, with 66% more overcharging complaints in 2025 than 2021."

"It's a distressed purchase. These are companies that are taking advantage of people in a vulnerable state because they're locked out or they've lost their keys. The MLA's managing director, Steffan George, says he believes the 402 complaints received last year did not go close to representing the scale of the fraud."

"Another reader wrote to us and described how he was charged 729.60 for the installation of a lock, including labour and parts. He was quoted 375 for the lock cylinder, which he later found was available for 20 online."

Rogue locksmiths operate a widespread bait-and-switch scam targeting vulnerable customers. They advertise services at low prices, typically £49 or less, then present inflated bills exceeding £700 after completing work. The Master Locksmith Association reports a 66% increase in overcharging complaints between 2021 and 2025, though actual fraud cases likely far exceed reported numbers. Victims have been charged £1,406 for £49 jobs and £729.60 for locks available online for £20. These scammers exploit people in distressed situations—locked out or having lost keys—taking advantage of their urgency and limited options to negotiate.

Read at www.theguardian.com