Quick Reference Guide

Spot a fake locksmith — at a glance

Scan this before you call anyone. Takes 30 seconds. Could save you hundreds of pounds.

Need the full detailed guide? → spot-a-fake.html

⚠ First — check the bad actors database before calling anyone

locksmithscams.co.uk/bad-actors — 120+ documented rogue operators →

Fake vs Genuine — side by side

✗ FAKE LISTING
✓ GENUINE LOCKSMITH
Town name in business — "Richmond Locksmith"
Trades under own name — no town needed
020 3633, 020 8087, 020 3519, 020 3951, 020 3670, 020 8191
Static local landline or personal mobile
Bait price — ÂŖ39 or ÂŖ49 on the phone
Realistic estimate — ÂŖ80 to ÂŖ150 for standard job
Reviews generic — no names, no details
Reviews specific — named locksmith, job described
Open 24/7 every day of the year
Has normal working hours — emergency rate after hours
Not on MLA register
MLA registered — appears on locksmiths.co.uk
Invoice from different company to the one called
Invoice matches the company name advertised
Goes straight to drilling — no non-destructive attempt
Always tries picking first — drilling is last resort

Check the phone number first

If the number starts with any of these — do not call. These are documented virtual number networks used exclusively by fake locksmith listings in London.

020 3633

See numbers →

020 8087

See numbers →

020 3519

020 3951

020 3670

020 8191

Three questions to ask on the phone

1

"Can you give me a firm total price before you arrive?" Yes with a number = genuine. Vague answer = fake.

2

"What company name will appear on my invoice?" Same name as listing = genuine. Different name = invoice fraud.

3

"Are you MLA registered?" Yes with membership number = genuine. No = treat with caution.

Fair prices — 2026

Standard lockout

ÂŖ80 — ÂŖ150

Cylinder replacement

ÂŖ80 — ÂŖ160

Late night emergency

ÂŖ120 — ÂŖ200

Quoted ÂŖ39 or ÂŖ49?

Hang up. It is a bait price.

Need more detail?

→ Full visual guide with diagrams — spot-a-fake.html → All red flags before and after they arrive — locksmith-red-flags.html → Exact questions to ask at every stage — questions-to-ask-a-locksmith.html → Check a specific phone number — check-locksmith-number.html

Already been overcharged?

Call your bank now. Section 75 or chargeback. Trading Standards: 0808 223 1133.

How to get money back → Search the database →