What Are Common Scams to Watch Out for When Hiring Locksmiths?

You’re locked out of your house or car, and the panic starts to creep in. Naturally, you reach for your phone, search for a local locksmith, and hope help shows up quickly. If you live around North Carolina, you might search for a local locksmith Raleigh, NC and hit the first result. But this is where you need to pause—because locksmith scams are real, and they’re more common than you’d think.

Hiring a locksmith should be simple, but scammers have made it a risky move for anyone who’s not paying attention. So let’s break it all down. Here’s what you really need to watch for to avoid being tricked during an already stressful moment.

The Bait-and-Switch Price Trap

You see an ad online or on Google Maps offering “$19 locksmith services.” That sounds great—too great. And it is. This is the classic bait-and-switch. The scammer shows up, messes around with your lock for a minute, and suddenly the price jumps from $19 to $200.

They might say your lock is “high security” or needs “extra tools.” Either way, they count on you being desperate or too tired to argue. It’s a sneaky tactic, and one of the most common tricks in the book.

Why Do People Fall for It?

Well, it's cheap on the surface, and people are in a hurry. If you're locked out at 11 PM, you’re not thinking clearly. Scammers know this and take full advantage of your stress and urgency.

Fake Local Listings Everywhere

Another red flag is locksmiths who pretend to be local but aren’t. These folks flood Google with fake listings, each with a different name and number, all routing back to the same sketchy call center. They might list multiple “locations” in your city that don’t even exist.

How Can You Spot One?

If you call and the person answers with a generic “locksmith services” and won’t give a company name, that’s a red flag. Also, if their address leads to a parking lot or a random building with no signage—steer clear.

Vague Company Names and No Credentials

Legit locksmiths take pride in their work and usually have clear branding. They’ll answer the phone with a company name, show up in marked vehicles, and carry some kind of ID or certification.

Scammers Stay Generic on Purpose

They avoid giving real names or any proof of business because they don’t want to be tracked. If someone can’t tell you the name of their company, or they dodge simple questions—run.

Drilling the Lock Without Trying Anything Else

Here’s a big one. If a locksmith shows up and immediately says they need to drill your lock, be cautious. Most skilled locksmiths have the tools to unlock doors without damaging anything. Drilling should be a last resort, not the first move.

What's the Scam Here?

Drilling means they’ll have to replace your lock—often with one they sell on the spot at an inflated price. It’s a fast way to charge you hundreds more than the service was worth.

Demanding Cash Only or Payment Upfront

Trustworthy locksmiths don’t require full payment before they start the work. If someone asks for cash upfront or refuses to take a card, that's a warning sign. This helps them avoid chargebacks or being reported.

Why This Matters

If the job goes sideways, you’ve got no way to get your money back. And since there's no paper trail, it's nearly impossible to file a legitimate complaint.

Super High-Pressure Tactics

You should never feel bullied into accepting a service. Some scammers use pressure tactics—saying things like “you won’t get a better deal” or “this price is only good if you pay now.” That’s manipulation, not customer service.

Real Pros Don’t Rush You

Legit locksmiths explain the problem, offer a price, and let you make a call. If someone’s rushing or getting aggressive, that’s not a good sign.

No Physical Business Address or Website

Even if you’re in a hurry, take five minutes to look up the company. Do they have a website? Is there a legit-looking business address? Can you find reviews outside of just Google?

What to Check For

A real locksmith will have some kind of digital footprint—maybe a Better Business Bureau rating or customer feedback. Scammers rarely stick around long enough to build a solid online presence.

Suspiciously Generic Reviews

Ever notice some companies have glowing reviews, but they’re all vague and sound the same? Stuff like “Great service, fast, affordable” repeated over and over? That’s a sign the reviews might be fake.

Real Reviews Tell Real Stories

Look for detailed experiences from actual customers. Bonus points if reviewers mention names, timelines, and real problems they had fixed.

The "Too Good to Be True" Deals

If something sounds way cheaper than the rest of the market, there’s a reason. Professional locksmiths charge fairly for their skills, tools, and 24/7 availability. Rock-bottom prices often mean you're not dealing with a real professional.

Why Cheap Can Cost More

Getting scammed might mean paying hundreds more than you expected—or worse, damaging your door or lock permanently. It’s just not worth it.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Call a locksmith during regular business hours if you can. Always ask for a flat rate before they come out, and request it in writing or text. Save the number of a verified local locksmith in advance so you’re not scrambling under pressure. Trust your gut—if something feels shady, it probably is.

Final Thoughts:

Getting locked out is already frustrating enough without dealing with scams. It’s okay to take a moment and double-check who you're calling. One quick search, one phone call, or one bad review can be all it takes to dodge a scam. Next time you need a locksmith, slow down just enough to protect yourself from shady tricks. A little caution goes a long way.