How to Spot a Rogue Locksmith

When you're locked out or need urgent lock repairs, it's easy to fall prey to rogue locksmiths who exploit vulnerable situations. At H Harrold and Sons, we believe in transparency, professionalism, and protecting our community from scams.

Here's how to identify and avoid locksmith fraud.

1. Suspiciously Low Prices in Online Ads

If you see ads promising locksmith services “from £39” or “£49,” be cautious. These are often bait-and-switch tactics. The final bill can be hundreds of pounds more than expected.

Often, rogue locksmiths will heavily inflate the cost of parts or add charges on throughout the job. Another tactic of theirs is to exaggerate the amount of time taken to complete the work therefore inflating the final charge.

At H Harrold and Sons, we provide clear and accurate quotes for all jobs. We don’t have call out charges, instead we use fixed labour rates that are explained fully before booking in any work. We also give accurate cost estimates for any parts that may be required throughout the job, so you know how much it is likely cost in advance.

2. Emergency Response & Damage Repair

We’re on call throughout the week for lock-outs, break-ins, snapped keys, and lock changes. We’re just a quick call away from having our MLA-approved engineers on the road. They’ll arrive equipped for whatever the job requires, from new anti-snap cylinders to full replacement UPVC mechanisms.

We assess damage on the spot and use non-destructive methods first, such as picks or tension wrenches. If a lock must be drilled, we will replace it immediately, restoring security before we leave.

3. False Claims of Certification

Rogue locksmiths may falsely claim to be:

• MLA approved.

• DBS checked.

• Certified by trade bodies.

  
  

Always verify credentials through official channels, like the MLA website.

We are the only MLA approved locksmiths in Sheffield and you can see our official MLA members page here.

4. ‘Police Recommended’ Claims

No locksmith is officially endorsed by the police. Some scammers use this phrase to gain trust.

The police only certify security products and standards, such as external key safes or building regulations for security products – never an individual or company.

5. Vague Communication

Rogue locksmiths will often use call centres and subcontractors, for this reason you should ask for the locksmith’s name and whether they are subcontracted.

Often, there is no clear recourse by companies if they use subcontractors – it makes it almost impossible to speak to the same person twice, so if you need to speak to the person who carried out your job, it can be difficult.

This can be very problematic if there any issues with the product or workmanship after the job has taken place.

Rogue locksmiths also often avoid giving clear quotes repeating low prices but not confirming final costs.

All calls to H Harrold and Sons are answered by our in-house team and all jobs are carried out by our fully vetted and accredited Locksmiths, meaning customers can always speak to someone closely connected to their job.

Before work begins, we will always give an estimate for work even if it’s a job that’s being booked in over the phone. If we are able to see images of the work required, whether this is via an email or a WhatsApp, we can often give a fixed price for the work required, before we begin.

6. Immediate Use of a Drill

Often, inadequately qualified/trained locksmiths will use a drill straight away.

But drilling should be a last resort.

Skilled locksmiths use non-destructive methods first.

We will always explore all non-destructive lock opening methods before we ever resort to drilling.

If a lock does require mechanical methods to gain entry, the damage will be kept to a minimum and, usually, it is only a part that needs replacing that will be drilled at all.

7. Insurance Refund Promises

Some scammers claim the cost of a job can be covered by your home insurance, but we recommend always checking with your insurer first.

In some instances, home insurers may cover homeowners for loss or theft of keys.

Nevertheless, it is always wise to check with your insurance provider first to confirm their procedures and requirements. If they offer a lock replacement service, it is worth checking that they use MLA accredited locksmiths. If not, you can ask if you can use an MLA Locksmith and recoup the money direct from them.

What You Should Do to Stay Safe.

• Save the number of a trusted local locksmith.

• Ask for ID and verify credentials before permitting work.

• Use the Master Locksmiths Association website to find vetted professionals.

H Harrold and Sons Ltd is Sheffield’s longest serving and only MLA approved locksmiths. We have been providing exceptional locksmith and safe engineer services to South Yorkshire and the surrounding areas since 1919.

Our team of experts can handle all of your locksmithing needs, including vehicle keys, safes, lockouts, key cutting, CCTV, and access control. We take pride in our work and always go the extra mile to ensure our customers are secure and satisfied.

For more information, explore the services here on our website or give us a ring on 0114 272 4742.