Locksmith Scams to Look Out For
Simon Bernstein • January 28, 2022
Be careful when hiring a locksmith because there are a lot of locksmith scams out there. You may see online or newspaper advertisements from supposed companies claiming to be professional locksmiths, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to scam you.
Both licensed and unlicensed locksmiths can be out to scam you if you don’t recognise the signs.
Here are three common locksmith scams to watch for.
1) Subcontractors Inflating the Price
The most common locksmith scam is when an online advertisement gives you the phone number of a locksmith company, but then it ends up transferring you to a call centre somewhere else. The call centre will act like they represent the company and subcontract the locksmithing work to a local subcontractor.
When the subcontractor arrives, they will ask you to pay a lot more money than the estimated price you were given on the phone. They hope you will be desperate enough to pay the higher cost to resolve your emergency lock situation quickly.
2) Inexperienced Locksmiths Drilling Locks
A licensed locksmith will know how to pick most locks without leaving a scratch. But an inexperienced locksmith with no legal credentials won’t know how to use picking tools. So instead, they will attempt to drill your lock while causing extensive damage to your door in the process. They’ll claim it is the only way to unlock the door, which is not true.
3) Cash Only
Some locksmiths may claim to accept cash only. Please stay away from these locksmiths because they may want to avoid being traced for their shady business practices. Any genuine locksmith will accept credit cards and cash for payment. They will also provide a receipt for the work done.
Getting locked out is never fun — but if you're in Clapham , help is just a call away. Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, SMS Locksmith offers fast, reliable locksmith services throughout Clapham with no call-out charges and 30-minute average response times . Step 1: Don’t Panic We know it’s stressful, especially if it’s cold or you have somewhere to be. Try to stay calm and check for any open windows or alternative entry points (safely, of course). Step 2: Avoid DIY Entry Trying to force the lock or use makeshift tools can damage your door – and cost you more in the long run. Always leave it to a professional. Step 3: Call a Local Clapham Locksmith We’re based nearby and can usually be with you in under 30 minutes. Our experienced technicians use non-destructive methods wherever possible to get you back inside quickly and safely. Step 4: Consider a Security Upgrade If your lockout was due to a lost or stolen key, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your locks. We offer a full range of British Standard and high-security locks. Need help right now? Visit our Clapham Locksmith page or call us directly for immediate assistance.
When you’re locked out, you need help fast – but who do you call? It might be tempting to ring the first number you find online, often a national call centre , but choosing a local locksmith can make all the difference. The Problem with National Call Centres Big national firms often outsource work to subcontractors. That means long wait times, unclear pricing, and poor communication. You might end up paying more for a job done with less care. Why Local Locksmiths Are Better 1. Faster Response Times A local locksmith like SMS Locksmith is nearby and can often be with you in under 30 minutes . 2. Transparent Pricing We don’t believe in hidden fees or inflated charges. What we quote is what you pay. 3. Personal Service You're not just a ticket number – we care about your safety and satisfaction. Our locksmiths are local, polite, and highly experienced. 4. Local Knowledge We know the area, the types of doors and locks common in homes, and how best to secure them. Whether you’re in Worcester Park , Twickenham , Chelsea , or Clapham , we’ve got your area covered. Next time you need a locksmith, go local. Choose SMS Locksmith for expert service and complete peace of mind.
Feeling safe in your own home is non-negotiable. Whether you live near Twickenham Green or closer to the stadium, basic home security steps can go a long way in preventing break-ins. As your trusted Twickenham locksmith , we’ve put together a quick checklist to help you protect your property. Check All Entry Points Burglars often look for easy access through back doors, garages or windows. Make sure all entry points are fitted with quality locks – and don’t forget your shed or side gate . Upgrade to British Standard Locks Many older locks don’t meet insurance standards. Our Twickenham locksmiths can upgrade your locks to British Standard quickly and affordably. Don’t Hide Keys Outside That flower pot or fake rock is the first place a burglar will look. Avoid hiding spare keys outdoors. Instead, consider a secure key safe or trusted neighbour. Install Outdoor Lighting Motion-activated lights are a simple but effective deterrent – and they also make it safer when returning home after dark. Book a Security Check If you’re unsure where to start, we offer free security assessments across Twickenham. We’ll point out vulnerabilities and offer affordable fixes. Want help securing your home? Contact our expert Twickenham locksmith team today.
Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea , where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you’ve just moved in or simply want to feel more secure, here are the top 5 reasons to consider a lock upgrade. 1. You’ve Just Moved In Even if the previous owner handed over all the keys, you can never be sure who else has a copy. Lock replacement ensures that only you have access to your new Chelsea home. 2. Your Current Locks Aren’t Insurance Approved Many insurers require locks that meet British Standard BS3621. If your current locks don’t comply, it could invalidate your insurance in the event of a break-in. 3. You've Experienced a Break-In or Attempted Entry After a burglary or even an attempted one, upgrading your locks is essential. We recommend anti-snap and high-security locks that resist drilling, picking, and bumping. 4. Peace of Mind Simply put – upgraded locks help you sleep better at night. Knowing that your home is secure with robust, professionally fitted locks offers lasting peace of mind. Need help upgrading your locks in Chelsea? Visit our Chelsea Locksmith page and get in touch today for expert advice and quick service.
Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea, where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make.
A burglary can be terrifying if you have never experienced one. You may first see damage to your doors, locks, and windows, causing the worst thoughts to come to your head. Then, when you investigate the situation, you realize a burglar has damaged and stolen property in your home or business. What do you do in this situation? Here are the top four things to do after a burglary occurs on your property. 1) Contact the Local Authorities The first thing to do is contact your local police to notify them of the burglary. They will send patrol or uniformed officers to your home or business to question you about the incident. If you believe a burglar may still be in your home or business after discovering evidence of a potential burglary, do not attempt to engage them. Otherwise, you will risk getting injured or killed by engaging with a person who may be dangerous. Secure yourself in a safe location and call the police. Burglars will not usually stick around for very long, especially if they hear police sirens outside. 2) Evaluate Your Belongings Explore your burglarized property once you are sure it is safe. Take inventory of your remaining belongings and create a list of all the missing items. The police must know this information to assist with their investigation and help you recover the stolen items. Make sure you are honest about the stolen items. The police and your insurance company will ask you for the estimated value of each stolen item. Give the best answers possible. 3) Contact Your Insurance Company Notify your home insurance company about the burglary after notifying the police. They will also ask you for the list of stolen items to calculate the value of your claim. Provide any information or documentation requested, including photos, police reports, medical reports, etc. All these things are factors in calculating the highest possible value for your claim. 4) Upgrade or Repair Your Locks The police might not find the burglar for several days or weeks. In fact, they might not find them at all. Either way, do not wait for the next burglar to strike your home or business without taking action to secure your property. A burglar usually damages a door or window lock to gain unlawful entry into a building. If they are successful, the door might have a worn-out or low-grade lock incapable of stopping a standard burglary attempt. If unsuccessful, the door might have a high-grade lock that resisted the attempt. However, the lock could have still suffered damage. After any burglary, the best thing to do is upgrade or repair your door and window locks to ensure your property remains safe. A professional locksmith can evaluate your existing locks to see which ones should be upgraded or repaired to keep you and your property safe. Contact a Professional Locksmith Do you need to hire a professional locksmith to install or replace the locks in your doors or windows? Call SMS Locksmith at 020-3151-0531 for assistance.
The importance of home security and the role of residential locksmith services in ensuring safety
Changing the locks on your doors may not be something you think about often, but it plays a critical role in securing your home or business.
Understanding the Importance of Immediate Action After a Burglary
