Questions to ask a locksmith before they arrive — and before you pay

"What is your company name?"

Good answer: A specific company name stated clearly and immediately.
Bad answer: "Locksmith services" or a vague answer — they may be a call centre answering for multiple fake listings and cannot commit to a name.

"Can you give me a total price before you arrive?"

Good answer: A firm price or realistic range based on your description.
Bad answer: "From £49" or "depends on the job" or "we will assess when we arrive." These are bait price signals.

"Are you MLA registered?"

Good answer: Yes — they give you their MLA membership number which you can verify at locksmiths.co.uk.
Bad answer: No, or a vague claim about being "certified" or "approved" without a specific verifiable number.

"What company name will appear on my invoice?"

Good answer: The same company name they just told you.
Bad answer: Hesitation, a different name, or "our invoicing company." This is the invoice mismatch red flag — stop here.

"Are you DBS checked?"

Good answer: Yes — they can provide their DBS reference number.
Bad answer: Defensive, vague, or no. A locksmith entering your home should be DBS checked without question.

"Can I see your ID?"

A genuine locksmith carries identification. An unvetted subcontractor dispatched by a call centre may have no ID at all. If they cannot show ID — you are within your rights to refuse entry.

"Will you try to pick the lock before drilling?"

The answer must be yes. Non-destructive entry first is the standard. If they say no or go straight to drilling without attempting to pick — stop them immediately and send them away.

"Can you confirm the total price in writing before starting?"

Ask them to write the total on a piece of paper or text it to you before they touch anything. If the price has changed from the phone quote — you are entitled to refuse and ask them to leave.

"Can I have a full itemised invoice?"

Labour separately from parts separately from call out fee separately from VAT. If they cannot itemise the invoice — that is itself a red flag.

"What is the make and model of the parts fitted?"

If a new cylinder was fitted — ask for the make and model. You can then check the price of that exact part online. If they refuse to tell you — that is the hidden parts markup tactic.

"What is your VAT registration number?"

If VAT appears on the invoice — you are legally entitled to the VAT registration number. If they cannot provide one or it does not match at gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number — report to HMRC on 0800 788 887.