Locksmith scams in the UK are surging, with reported cases rising 147% between January and March 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). These “49-er” bait-and-switch schemes use low-cost Google ads to lure customers before charging hundreds or thousands of pounds upon arrival.
The “49-er” Bait-and-Switch Tactic
The primary method used by rogue traders is the “49-er” scam. A locksmith advertises a low entry price—often around £49—to secure the job. Once they arrive, the price spirals. Steffan George, managing director of the MLA, states that these firms deliberately make costs escalate by drilling locks, which renders a property insecure and forces the customer to pay for a replacement.
In one instance, a customer was charged £3,300 for a lockout. According to Pat Gilks, the bill included a £280 call-out fee, £465 for a high-security lock, and £800 for an internal mechanism. A legitimate locksmith later told Gilks the total should have been between £190 and £240, noting that the handle and internal mechanism didn’t even need replacing.
Pro Tip: Always ask for a locksmith’s ID and the name of their company before they begin work. If the price quoted on the phone differs wildly from the on-site quote, consider canceling the job and paying only the agreed call-out fee.
How Google Search Results Enable Fraud
Search engines have replaced the traditional phone directory, but the MLA warns that a top search result is an indication of advertising spend, not quality. Many scammers operate out of large call centers but list themselves as local firms to manipulate search rankings.
Google told The Guardian it blocked or removed 602 million scam-associated ads in 2025. However, the system remains vulnerable. One victim, Sarah, found a sponsored ad claiming 4,500 five-star reviews; she was subsequently charged £2,209. These ads were only removed after the company was contacted for violating policies.
Global Comparison of Search Engine Restrictions
The UK’s approach differs significantly from other regions. To reduce fraud, 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.
Vulnerable Targets and Lack of Regulation
The locksmith industry is currently unregulated. Steffan George of the MLA explains that “anybody can call themselves a locksmith, buy locksmith tools and advertise their services.” This lack of oversight allows rogue traders to target “lone females who are less likely to fight back” or older couples.
Recourse for victims is limited. The Department for Business and Trade advises affected consumers to contact Citizens Advice for referral to Trading Standards. However, criminal prosecutions are rare. George notes a “fear factor” where victims avoid reporting crimes because the scammer knows their home address.
Did you know? The MLA has launched a parliamentary petition calling for legislation that would require search engines to verify emergency trade advertisers before allowing paid ads.
Spotting a Legitimate Trader
Kumas Naroei of Islington Locksmiths, a verified trader, reports frequently encountering rogue locksmiths already on-site when he is called to a job. He notes that scam call centers often demand a customer’s address before providing a cheap quote, then dispatch a technician regardless of whether the customer agreed to the visit.
Naroei advises that legitimate locksmiths will provide transparent pricing beforehand. In a case where a previous scammer left a door without a lock, Naroei charged £165 for the replacement, contrasting with the “49-er” model where costs are intentionally obscured until the work is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “49-er” locksmith scam?
It is a bait-and-switch tactic where a trader quotes a low price (e.g., £49) to get the job, then charges hundreds or thousands of pounds once the lock is drilled or replaced.
Are Google search results a reliable way to find a locksmith?
According to the MLA, no. Sponsored results indicate how much a company pays for advertising, not the quality or legitimacy of their service.
What should I do if I’ve been overcharged by a locksmith?
The Department for Business and Trade recommends contacting Citizens Advice, who can refer the complaint to Trading Standards.
How can I verify if a locksmith is legitimate?
Ask for identification, verify the company name, and check if they are members of a recognized body like the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA).
Have you or a family member encountered a rogue trader? Share your experience in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more consumer protection alerts.
