01483 xxxxxx

Guildford exchange — physically located in Guildford, Surrey

020 7640 xxxxxx

Central London exchange — physically located in central London

020 8546 xxxxxx

Kingston upon Thames exchange — physically located in Kingston

020 8994 xxxxxx

Chiswick exchange — physically located in Chiswick

020 8940 xxxxxx

Richmond exchange — physically located in Richmond

020 8748 xxxxxx

Hammersmith exchange — physically located in Hammersmith

Eliminates fake operators overnight. A rogue operator running a overseas call centre cannot produce a BT phone bill for a static landline registered to an address in Kew. They simply do not have one. No static landline — no listing — no ad.

Easy to verify. Ofcom holds the complete UK geographic number allocation database. A one second database lookup confirms whether any number prefix is a geographic landline or a virtual provider number. No new technology required.

Does not harm genuine home workers. A genuine sole trader locksmith who works from home — not a bricks and mortar shop — still has a static landline registered to their home address. That landline proves they physically live in the area they serve. The rule does not require a shop. It requires genuine local presence. A phone bill proves that.

Instant enforcement. Any consumer who receives a service from a home services listing and discovers the number is a virtual number — not a static landline — can report it immediately. The number prefix itself is the evidence. No investigation needed. The listing comes down.

Covers all home services simultaneously. Locksmith, plumber, electrician, gas engineer, pest control, drain clearance — one rule covers every emergency trade category where the same fake listing pattern has been documented. One Ofcom direction. One platform policy change. Solves the problem across every home service category at once.

For the honest locksmith

A genuine locksmith welcomes a written estimate request. It is standard professional practice. The warning costs them nothing and builds consumer confidence in the trade. Honest operators have nothing to fear from a warning that says be careful and get a quote.

For the rogue operator

A rogue operator cannot give a written estimate — because the written estimate would be the quoted price and they intend to charge far more. A warning that normalises written estimates before the call is made effectively makes the bait and switch model unworkable.

Google already does this

Google shows consumer warnings before results for payday loans, cryptocurrency, health supplements, and other high-risk categories. The infrastructure exists. The precedent exists. Applying it to emergency trades requires a policy decision — not new technology.

Login and access logs

Providers can already see the IP address and location an account is accessed from. A number marketed as a local Kew locksmith that is consistently accessed from overseas, Eastern Europe, or elsewhere is a clear, low-effort red flag. This data already exists. It is simply not being used as a monitoring trigger.

Account-to-number ratios

A single account can hold anywhere from one number to dozens. In west London alone, one entity is believed to hold over 26 numbers in the 020 3633 block and over 20 in the 020 8087 block — all used for fake locksmith listings. Providers already have this data. Bulk number purchases from a single account are not being used as a fraud monitoring trigger.

Ofcom consultation — Fraudulent Advertising Codes of Practice

Closing date: 2 October 2026. Submit your response at:

Every fake listing uses a false address — a building site, a garden centre, a residential property, a business park — to misrepresent local presence and deceive consumers into believing they are calling a local business. False representation to obtain a financial advantage. Up to ten years imprisonment.

Every single fake listing carries fabricated five star reviews. Commissioning them is illegal. Writing them is illegal. Hosting them without taking reasonable steps to prevent them is illegal. Criminal offence since April 2025. The CMA can fine platforms up to 10% of global annual turnover for non-compliance. Nobody has been fined.

Quoting £49 on the phone and charging £370 on arrival is a misleading commercial practice under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. It has been illegal for over fifteen years. It is happening every day across every London borough. Trading Standards are under-resourced to prosecute it at scale.

Threatening consumers on their own doorstep, refusing to leave until paid, sending two operatives to intimidate — all specific criminal offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. A policewoman had to stop her car to intervene in one documented incident. The operative was warned — and walked away with the money.

Fake listings use real residential addresses, real business addresses, and real community spaces without the knowledge or consent of the people who live or work there. Using personal data — a home address — without lawful basis is a breach of UK GDPR. The ICO can act. The right to erasure applies within 30 days of request.

Multiple operators advertise under one company name and bill under a completely different one — General Services, Locksmith London Ltd, Locksmith Solutions. This is deliberate misrepresentation designed to obstruct chargebacks and consumer complaints. It is fraud. The invoice in your hand is evidence. Keep it.

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1. Report the phone number to Ofcom

The number is still on your phone. Report it to Ofcom and it can be suspended. The listing stays on Google Maps — but nobody can call it. The operation stops dead. This is the single most effective action you can take.

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2. Report the Google ad or listing

Click the three dots on the sponsored ad and select Report this ad. On the Maps listing click Report a Problem. Submit the Google Redressal Form. Every report makes the listing harder to sustain and builds the case for permanent removal.

⭐

3. Leave a one star review — on everything

Leave a one star review on the Google Maps listing describing exactly what happened — the amount quoted, the amount charged, what the operative did. Then search the phone number on Google — they may have listings on Trustpilot, Checkatrade, Yell, or other directories. Leave a one star review on every platform you find them on. The more negative reviews — the more people are protected.

🔍

4. Search the phone number online

Type the phone number you called into Google — with and without spaces. Rogue operators use the same number across multiple listings under different company names. You may find five or ten different listings all using the same number. Report every single one. Leave a review on every single one. Each report multiplies the impact of your action.

🧾

📢

6. Tell everyone you know

Post on Nextdoor. Share on Facebook. Tell your neighbours. Send this website to anyone who might need a locksmith. The more people who know how to spot a fake listing — the fewer victims these operators get. One share could save someone near you from the same experience.

"The guy pulled up and did ask him if he had the tool to get the key out. The locksmith replied: Oh no, no, no I don't carry that." — Eric Reynolds, victim, aged 85

24/7 patterns

24/7 Locksmith [Town]
24 Hour Locksmith [Town]
Emergency Locksmith 24/7
24/7 Emergency Locksmiths UK

Speed patterns

Fast Locksmith [Town]
Rapid Locksmith [Town]
Swift Lock [Town]
Quick Locksmith [Town]

Security word patterns

EliteKey [Town]
Fortress Lock [Town]
SecureWay [Town]
GuardLock [Town]
ProLock [Town]

Local patterns

Locksmith [Town] Ltd
[Town] Locksmith
Local Locksmith [Town]
[Town] Lock and Key

London patterns

London Locksmiths Ltd
London Lock and Key
Your London Locksmiths
Capital Locksmith London

Door/UPVC patterns

Door Solutions [Town]
UPVC Repairs [Town]
Door Repairs [Town]
Entry Ease [Town]

How to protect yourself: Always verify the phone number matches the number on the genuine company's own website — not just the Google Maps listing. If in doubt call the company directly via their website number.

How do I know if a locksmith on Google Maps is genuine?

Check that a named individual appears in the reviews — genuine locksmiths are always named. Look up the address on Google Street View and verify a locksmith business operates there. Call the number and ask for the locksmith's name and company registration number. Search a reputable locksmith directory. If the business name includes the town name — for example "Locksmith Kew" or "Choice Locksmith Richmond" — treat it with caution. Genuine local locksmiths do not need to include the town name because their address and reviews already establish local presence.

I was overcharged by a locksmith. What can I do?

If you paid by credit card and the charge was over £100 — make a Section 75 claim with your credit card company immediately. This is a legal right under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If you paid by debit card — request a chargeback from your bank the same day. Report the phone number to Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk. Report the Google Maps listing via the Redressal Form. Contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 to report to Trading Standards. Report to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 if you were threatened or the bill came from a different company name.

How do I report a fake locksmith phone number?

Go to ofcom.org.uk and report the number as being used for fraudulent or misleading purposes. Ofcom can direct the telecoms provider to suspend the number. When enough complaints are received against the same number or number block, Ofcom can shut down the entire account. This is the single most effective action you can take — it stops the operation even if the Google Maps listing remains visible.

Are fake locksmith reviews illegal in the UK?

Yes. Since April 2025 fabricated reviews are illegal under Schedule 20 of the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act 2024. Commissioning fake reviews is illegal. Writing fake reviews is illegal. And hosting fake reviews without taking reasonable steps to prevent them is illegal — which applies to Google. If you see reviews that are clearly generic and fabricated — no named locksmith, no specific job detail, no local reference — report them to Trading Standards as well as flagging them on Google.

What does a locksmith scam look like on Google Maps?

A fake locksmith listing typically has the town name in the business name, five star reviews with no named locksmith and no specific job detail, an address that belongs to a residential property or business that has nothing to do with locksmiths, a phone number starting with 020 3633, 020 8087, 020 3519, 020 3951, 020 3670 or 020 8191, and opening hours of 24 hours a day seven days a week. The listing may have been created recently or may have old reviews from several years ago with nothing recent — indicating it was dormant and has been reactivated.

Why does my address appear on a fake locksmith Google Maps listing?

Since Google removed postcard address verification around 2020, anyone anywhere in the world can create a Google Maps business listing at any address without the address owner's knowledge or consent. Your address is being used without your permission. This is a breach of UK GDPR Article 17 — your address is personal data and it is being processed without lawful basis. You have the right to have it removed within 30 days. Report the listing on Google Maps, submit a complaint to the ICO at ico.org.uk, and contact Trading Standards.

How do I report a locksmith to Trading Standards?

The easiest route is through Citizens Advice — call 0808 223 1133 or go to citizensadvice.org.uk. Citizens Advice will take your details and refer the report to Trading Standards in your area. Have ready: the business name, the address shown on Google Maps, the phone number you called, the amount quoted on the phone, the amount actually charged, and any screenshots or invoices you have.

What is a spam locksmith listing on Google Maps?

A spam locksmith listing is a fake Google Maps business profile created by a rogue operator to appear in local search results without operating a genuine local business. Spam listings use real addresses without permission, fabricated five star reviews, and anonymous virtual phone numbers routing to overseas call centres. They are called spam listings because they flood local search results — burying genuine local locksmiths — in the same way email spam floods an inbox. Google Maps in London currently contains dozens of confirmed spam locksmith listings. They are illegal under the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act 2024 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

What is a rogue locksmith and how do I avoid one?

A rogue locksmith is an unqualified, unvetted operator who uses deceptive advertising to obtain jobs and then overcharges for the work — typically by quoting a low price on the phone and multiplying it several times on arrival. Rogue locksmiths deliberately drill locks that could be opened non-destructively, to justify fitting overpriced replacement locks. They often work from fake Google Maps listings with fabricated reviews and false addresses. To avoid a rogue locksmith: only use vetted locksmiths at checkatrade.com, check that a named individual appears in every review, verify the address on Google Street View, and always get a written quote before any work starts.

Is "locksmith scam" the same as "locksmith fraud"?

In everyday use people search for both locksmith scam and locksmith fraud to describe the same experience — being lured with a low quote and charged a vastly higher price on the doorstep. Legally they are slightly different. A locksmith scam refers broadly to deceptive trading practices prosecuted under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Locksmith fraud is a more specific criminal offence under the Fraud Act 2006 — making a false representation to obtain a financial advantage. Billing under a different company name, claiming work is necessary when it is not, and quoting one price while intending to charge another are all potentially fraudulent acts under the Fraud Act 2006. Both should be reported — scams to Trading Standards, fraud to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040.

Can I get my money back from a locksmith scam?

Possibly yes — depending on how you paid. Credit card over £100: Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes your credit card company jointly liable. This is a legal right not a goodwill gesture. Call your card company the same day and say you are making a Section 75 claim for misrepresentation. Debit card: request a Visa or Mastercard chargeback immediately. The sooner the better. Cash: direct recovery is very difficult but report it anyway — Trading Standards compensation orders can result in payment to victims after successful prosecution. If you were threatened or the bill came under a different company name — report to Action Fraud as this may be criminal fraud not just a civil dispute.

Is the locksmith I called a dodgy, cowboy or criminal locksmith?

Dodgy locksmiths, cowboy locksmiths, and criminal locksmiths are all terms people use to describe the same problem — a rogue operator who quotes one price and charges a much higher price at the door. If you were overcharged, threatened, or pressured into paying before receiving an invoice — you almost certainly encountered a rogue operator. Report the phone number to Ofcom, report the listing to Google, and report the overcharging to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. If you were threatened or the bill came under a different company name — report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 — NCSC report scam website at ncsc.gov.uk as this is criminal fraud.

Is my locksmith calling from a foreign call centre?

Very possibly yes. Evidence gathered across the west London fake locksmith listing network strongly suggests that many of these operations are run from overseas call centres — potentially in Eastern Europe — rather than from the UK. When you call a number on a fake Google Maps listing, you may be speaking to someone in another country entirely who then dispatches a local operative to your door. The phone number you called routes to a foreign call centre, not a local locksmith. This is why reporting the phone number to Ofcom is so important — Ofcom can trace where UK virtual phone numbers terminate, including whether they are routing to overseas call centres, and can direct providers to suspend those numbers immediately.

What is a bandit locksmith or locksmith bandit?

A bandit locksmith is a term used by people who have been overcharged or defrauded by a rogue locksmith operator. It describes an operator who uses deceptive advertising — fake Google Maps listings, fabricated reviews, false local addresses — to obtain jobs, then overcharges for the work once they have someone locked out and vulnerable. The bandit locksmith model relies on the consumer being in a stressful situation, alone, and unable to compare prices or wait for a genuine locksmith. If you have been targeted by a bandit locksmith — report it to Ofcom, Trading Standards, and Action Fraud. Your report contributes to shutting down the operation.

The locksmith who came to my door sounded foreign. Is that suspicious?

Not by itself — there are many excellent, fully qualified locksmiths working in the UK who were not born here. What is suspicious is the combination of: a generic company name with the town included, a phone number from one of the known virtual phone number network blocks, generic fabricated reviews on the listing, an address that does not match a real locksmith business, and a price that escalated significantly from the quote. An accent alone tells you nothing. The fake listing pattern tells you everything. Judge the listing and the behaviour — not the person's origin.

I was scammed by a locksmith — what do I do first?

If you have been scammed by a locksmith — or ripped off by a locksmith in the Rip Off Britain sense — the first thing to do is screenshot everything — the Google listing, the phone number, the reviews, the invoice. Then report the phone number to Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk — this is the single most powerful action you can take. If you paid by credit card over £100 make a Section 75 claim with your bank immediately. Report the listing to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. And leave a one star review on the Google listing describing exactly what happened — this warns other consumers before they make the same mistake.

Are 24 hour locksmith listings on Google a scam?

Many are. A genuine sole trader locksmith is not open 24 hours every single day of the year. If a Google listing shows a locksmith open 24 hours a day seven days a week with no days off — that is almost certainly a call centre rather than a genuine local locksmith. A 24 hour locksmith scam typically works by quoting a low price on the phone — from £49 — then charging hundreds or thousands of pounds on arrival by drilling the lock unnecessarily. Always ask for a written quote via WhatsApp before letting anyone come to your door.

Is locksmith fraud a criminal offence in the UK?

Yes. Locksmith fraud — quoting one price and charging a significantly higher price through deliberate misrepresentation — is a criminal offence under the Fraud Act 2006, carrying up to ten years imprisonment. It is also a misleading commercial practice under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Google locksmith fraud — where fake listings on Google Maps are used to deceive consumers — additionally involves fabricated reviews which are illegal under the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act 2024 since April 2025. Report locksmith fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 — NCSC report scam website at ncsc.gov.uk.

Has Rip Off Britain covered locksmith scams and locksmith rip offs?

Yes. Rip Off Britain locksmith coverage and similar BBC consumer programmes have covered locksmith rip offs and locksmith scams on multiple occasions. The BBC secretly filmed a locksmith from 24/7 Locksmiths UK charging nearly ten times the quoted price — one couple received an invoice of £2,802 against a quote of under £50. If you have been the victim of a locksmith rip off you can contact BBC Watchdog at bbc.co.uk/watchdog or Rip Off Britain to share your story. Your account could help expose these operations to a national audience and prevent the same thing happening to others.

What is a locksmith rip off and how do I avoid one?

A locksmith rip off — also called a locksmith ripoff — happens when an operator quotes a low price to get the job and then charges far more on arrival. The most common locksmith rip off tactic is drilling the lock unnecessarily — destroying your original lock to force a replacement at an inflated price. A genuine locksmith always tries non-destructive entry first. To avoid a locksmith rip off — find your locksmith before you need one, get their number from a reputable directory, save it in your phone, and get a written quote before anyone touches your lock.

What is the locksmith 49er scam?

The locksmith 49er scam — also called the bait and switch locksmith scam — is where a rogue locksmith advertises a low price of £39, £49 or £59 to secure a job, then charges far more on arrival. The 49er scam is the most common form of locksmith fraud in the UK. Once the locksmith arrives they claim the job is more complex than expected, drill the lock unnecessarily, fit an overpriced replacement, and present a bill of hundreds or thousands of pounds. If you have been a victim of the locksmith 49er scam — report it to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 and to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 — NCSC report scam website at ncsc.gov.uk.

I was overcharged by a locksmith — what are my rights?

If you were overcharged by a locksmith — quoted one price and charged significantly more — you have several rights. If you paid by credit card over £100 you have a legal right to a Section 75 refund under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If you paid by debit card request a chargeback from your bank immediately. You can also complain about the locksmith to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. A locksmith complaint about overcharging is a misleading commercial practice under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. If the locksmith was threatening or intimidating — report to Action Fraud and consider reporting to the police.

What is the driller killer locksmith tactic?

The driller killer locksmith tactic is where a rogue locksmith drills your lock immediately on arrival — without attempting non-destructive entry — in order to justify fitting a replacement lock at an inflated price. A genuine locksmith always tries to pick or bypass the lock first. Drilling is a last resort used only when the lock is genuinely damaged or is a high security lock that cannot be picked. The locksmith driller killer tactic destroys your original lock deliberately — because once it is drilled the operative can charge for a new cylinder, new parts, and additional labour. If a locksmith went straight for the drill without attempting non-destructive entry — that is a red flag and grounds for a complaint.

The locksmith arrived in an unmarked van — is that suspicious?

Yes. A locksmith arriving in an unmarked van with no branding, no ID, and no company name visible is a red flag. Genuine professional locksmiths typically operate branded vehicles and carry ID. A locksmith unmarked van combined with other warning signs — vague pricing, immediate drilling, pressure to pay before leaving — is consistent with a rogue operator. You are entitled to ask for the locksmith's full name, company name, and ID before they start any work. If they refuse or become aggressive — that is itself a warning sign.

I am locked out and worried about being scammed — what should I do?

If you are locked out and worried about a locksmith scam — do not simply call the first result on Google. Search for a vetted locksmith at checkatrade.com or trustedtraders.which.co.uk. Look for a locksmith with a named individual in their reviews, a local landline number, and specific job descriptions in their reviews. Ask for a written quote via WhatsApp before anyone comes out. If a locksmith arrives and the price is significantly higher than quoted — you can refuse the work and pay only an agreed call-out fee. A locked out locksmith scam often relies on the consumer feeling they have no choice. You do have a choice. Send them away and call a vetted local locksmith instead.

The locksmith is threatening me or refusing to leave — what do I do?

If a locksmith is being threatening, intimidating, or refusing to leave until you pay — call 999 immediately. Locksmith intimidation and threatening behaviour is a criminal matter for the police, not just Trading Standards. Do not hand over payment under duress if you can avoid it. If you do pay under pressure — contact your bank immediately about a chargeback and report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 — NCSC report scam website at ncsc.gov.uk. Note the locksmith's description, the vehicle registration, and the time. That information is vital evidence for any subsequent investigation.

What is a fair locksmith call out fee in the UK?

A fair locksmith call out fee in the UK typically ranges from £50 to £100 depending on the time of day and location, with the total cost including labour and any replacement parts. An emergency locksmith call out fee at night or on weekends may be higher. If a locksmith is advertising a call out fee of £39 or £49 — that is almost certainly a bait and switch locksmith scam. The 49er price point is specifically designed to attract customers who are then overcharged on arrival. Always ask for the total fixed price for your specific job — not just the call out fee — and get it in writing via WhatsApp before anyone comes to your door.

How do I complain about a locksmith in the UK?

To complain about a locksmith in the UK — start with Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 who will refer your locksmith complaint to Trading Standards in your area. Also report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 — NCSC report scam website at ncsc.gov.uk if you were defrauded or threatened. Report the phone number to Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk. Report the Google listing via the Redressal Form. Leave a one star review on Google Maps and search the phone number to find any other listings — leave reviews on those too. If you have a receipt with a VAT number — check it at gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number and The more channels you report through — the more likely enforcement action follows.

Are there rogue locksmiths in London specifically?

Yes — rogue locksmith London activity is among the most heavily documented in the UK. London's high density of flats, apartments, and rental properties makes it a prime target for fake locksmith listings. Rogue locksmith London operations typically run from overseas call centres, use fake Google Maps listings with virtual phone numbers, and target specific areas with multiple listings simultaneously. West London — including Chiswick, Brentford, Kew, and surrounding areas — has been particularly heavily affected. But rogue locksmith activity has been documented across all London boroughs and is spreading to towns across the UK.

How do I avoid locksmith scams in the UK?

To avoid locksmith scams — find your locksmith before you need one. Search the MLA directory at locksmiths.co.uk, save their number in your phone, and call them directly when you need help. If you are already locked out, use the MLA directory on your phone rather than searching Google. Always ask for a written estimate before anyone comes to your door. A legitimate locksmith will always try non-destructive entry first. If a locksmith quotes £39 or £49 — that is the locksmith 49er bait and switch scam. Hang up.

How do I check if a locksmith is legitimate?

To check a locksmith is legitimate — search their name on the MLA directory at locksmiths.co.uk. Ask for their full company name and Companies House registration number. Ask if they are MLA approved — a genuine MLA locksmith will confirm their membership instantly. Check their reviews for named individuals and specific job descriptions. Look up the phone number they give you — if it starts with 020 3633, 020 8087, 020 3519, 020 3951, 020 3670, or 020 8191 it is a virtual number with no verified local connection. A trusted locksmith will answer all of these questions confidently and willingly.

Is there such a thing as a police approved or police recommended locksmith?

No. There is no such thing as a police approved locksmith or a police recommended locksmith in the UK. The police do not approve or recommend specific locksmith companies. Some rogue operators claim to be police approved or police recommended — this is false and is itself a red flag. The Metropolitan Police are aware of locksmiths making these false claims. If a locksmith claims to be police approved or police recommended — do not use them.

What is non-destructive entry and why does it matter?

Non-destructive entry is the professional standard for a locksmith — attempting to pick or bypass a lock without drilling or damaging it. A qualified locksmith will always try non-destructive entry first. If they go straight for the drill without attempting to pick the lock — that is a red flag. Drilling is a last resort used only when a lock is genuinely damaged or is a high security lock that cannot be picked. The driller killer locksmith tactic is where rogue operators drill deliberately to justify charging for a replacement lock at inflated prices.

What is a fair price for a locksmith in the UK?

A fair locksmith price in the UK for a standard lockout during business hours is typically between £80 and £120 for labour, plus parts if needed. Evening and weekend rates are higher — typically £100 to £150. A standard lock cylinder replacement costs between £15 and £60 for parts depending on the quality. Any locksmith quoting £39 or £49 as a total price is using the locksmith 49er bait and switch — the real bill will be far higher. If a quote sounds too cheap — it is. A legitimate locksmith price guide starts at around £80 to £100 for a basic callout during business hours.

The locksmith arrived with no ID and no receipt — what should I do?

A locksmith arriving with no ID is a red flag. You are entitled to ask for their full name, company name, and proof of identity before they start any work. If they refuse — send them away. A locksmith who provides no receipt after completing work may be attempting to avoid a paper trail for VAT or tax purposes. Always ask for a written receipt showing the company name, address, VAT number if applicable, and itemised breakdown of parts and labour. If no receipt is provided — note the company name from Google, the phone number you called, and the date and time.

How do I find a trusted locksmith in London?

To find a trusted locksmith in London — use the MLA directory at locksmiths.co.uk first. MLA members are vetted for technical competence and must adhere to a code of conduct. Finding a legitimate locksmith in London is harder than it should be because fake listings have dominated online search results and pushed genuine local locksmiths out of view. Do not search Google for locksmith near me when you are locked out — use the MLA directory on your phone instead. Save a legitimate locksmith's number today before you need one.

How do I avoid being overcharged by a locksmith?

To avoid being overcharged by a locksmith — always get a written estimate before anyone comes to your door. Ask specifically: what is the total fixed price for this job including parts and labour? Get it confirmed in writing via WhatsApp before they travel. If the price changes significantly on arrival — you can refuse the work and pay only an agreed call-out fee. You are not obliged to pay an inflated price just because someone is standing in front of you. If you have already been overcharged by a locksmith — contact your bank immediately for a Section 75 claim or chargeback, and report to Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

Are locksmith scams getting worse in the UK?

Yes significantly. The locksmith trade associations reported a 147% rise in locksmith scam complaints in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 — the sharpest quarterly spike on record, and a 66% rise from 2021 to 2025 (MLA data — 242 complaints in 2021 rising to 402 in 2025). The problem accelerated when Google removed postcard address verification around 2020, making it trivially easy to create fake listings. The locksmith industry remains unregulated in the UK — anyone can call themselves a locksmith and advertise without any qualification or licence. These two factors combined have created the current epidemic of fake listings and consumer fraud.

"Rogue emergency trade adverts still appear at the top of search results, pushing reputable local businesses out of view. Complaints keep rising and recent BBC coverage shows the scale of harm. Bait and switch pricing misleads consumers in emergencies and is still happening."

— Petition text, UK Parliament

𝕏 Twitter / X

Tweet the phone number you called. Tag @Ofcom. Tag @BBCWatchdog. Tag @WhichUK. Include the amount you were charged versus the amount quoted. Use #LocksmithScam. One tweet with a specific phone number can prompt dozens of others to report the same number to Ofcom — and that is what gets it suspended.

Facebook community groups

Every town has a Facebook community group. Search for your area — Chiswick Noticeboard, Richmond Residents, Merton Community — and post what happened to you. Include the phone number. Include the company name. These groups are read by thousands of local residents and a warning post spreads fast. One post in the right group could save every neighbour on your street from the same experience.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor is hyperlocal — your post goes directly to people on your street and in your neighbourhood. A locksmith scam warning on Nextdoor reaches exactly the people most likely to search for a locksmith in your area. It is also verified by address — so it carries credibility that anonymous social posts do not.

TikTok and Instagram

If you have a following — even a few hundred people — a short video about what happened to you is the most powerful thing you can do. You do not need to show your face. You do not need to give your name. Screen record the Google listing. Show the phone number. Say what you were quoted and what you were charged. Videos about being ripped off go viral because people are angry and people share things that protect their community.

You can protect your identity completely — see our anonymity guide below.

I am responding as a member of the public who has been directly affected by fraudulent locksmith advertising on Google.

[If applicable: I was charged £[amount] by a locksmith I found through a Google [sponsored ad / Maps listing]. I was quoted £[quote] on the phone. The listing had five star reviews and a local address — both were fake.]

I want to draw Ofcom's attention to three specific issues with the draft Fraudulent Advertising Codes of Practice:

1. Scope must cover Google Maps organic listings. The draft code covers paid-for advertising only. But fake locksmith listings on Google Maps are organic listings — not paid ads — and they cause identical harm to consumers. The consumer cannot tell the difference between a paid ad and an organic listing. Both should be covered.

2. Virtual phone numbers must be banned from home service advertising. Every fake locksmith listing I am aware of uses a virtual phone number — purchased anonymously with no identity check. Ofcom should require that any phone number used on a home service listing must be a static landline registered to a physical address in the area being advertised. Virtual phone numbers and geographic landlines never share the same number ranges — Ofcom's own database can verify this instantly.

3. Platforms must verify numbers before activating listings. Search platforms should be required to check that any phone number on a home service listing is a verified geographic landline before the listing goes live. This single requirement would eliminate the vast majority of fake listings overnight.

I urge Ofcom to strengthen the draft codes to cover organic listings as well as paid ads, and to require static landline verification for all home service advertising on Google and other platforms.

Second UK conviction — Surrey Trading Standards

SP Locks / 24/7 Emergency Locksmith Services — 18 Months Prison — Surrey 2020

Shaun Phasey of Staines, trading as SP Locks and 24/7 Emergency Locksmith Services, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after making £11,562 scamming vulnerable Surrey residents. He used a chip and pin device to take much higher amounts than quoted — most in the thousands — then offered refunds he never paid. He was investigated by Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards.

Note the trading name — "24/7 Emergency Locksmith Services" — the same generic name pattern used by rogue operators across the UK today.

How other countries solved this

The UK is behind. Other countries have already fixed this.

Locksmiths are banned from advertising on Google in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain. In the US and Canada, locksmiths must be verified before they can run ads. In those countries this problem does not exist at the scale seen in the UK — because the advertising platform requires verification before a locksmith listing goes live.

The UK has chosen not to require this. That choice — made by Google and not challenged by government — is why 147% more people were scammed in early 2026 than in the same period of 2025. The solution exists. It is being used elsewhere. It just needs to be applied here.