Beware of “£39, £49 Locksmiths” on Google – The Hidden Scam That Could Cost You £1,500!
If you’ve ever been locked out of your home, you might have searched Google for a locksmith and encountered adverts claiming to charge £39 or £49 for their services. At first glance, this seems like a great deal. However, this is often a bait-and-switch scam prevalent in the locksmith industry. This has been reported multiple times by BBC, Guardian, and many others.
The Deceptive Advertising Trap
These low-cost locksmith ads dominate Google, but they don’t reveal the full story.
• The average cost-per-click (CPC) for locksmith ads on Google in the UK often exceeds £40-£50. This means each time someone clicks on their ad, they’re already paying more than what they claim to charge for the entire job!
• If these prices were genuine, they wouldn’t even cover advertising costs, let alone labor, tools, and travel expenses.
So, how do they make money? By misleading customers into believing they’re getting a cheap service, only to hit them with an outrageous bill once the work is done.
From £49 to £1,500 – The Shocking Reality
Many unsuspecting customers who call these locksmiths end up with bills ranging from £600 to £1,500—for a job that should have cost around £150 with a genuine locksmith like Max the Locksmith or any other genuine local locksmith with a transparent background and story.
Max The Locksmith
Serving Nottingham, Derby, Mansfield, Chesterfield, Loughborough, and surrounding areas, Max offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Here’s how the scam typically unfolds:
1. Fake Low Prices: The locksmith advertises £39 or £49, but once they arrive, the price skyrockets due to additional “unforeseen” costs.
2. Unnecessary Drilling & Replacements: They often claim your lock “cannot be picked” and must be drilled out, forcing you to pay for an overpriced new lock.
3. Hidden Fees & Inflated Labour Costs: Charging by the hour allows them to drag out the job and inflate the final bill.
4. Cash-Only Payments & Intimidation Tactics Some refuse card payments, demand cash upfront, or even pressure customers into paying excessive fees.
How to Avoid This Scam
To protect yourself, always choose a genuine locksmith with transparent pricing. Here are a few key steps to ensure you don’t fall for misleading ads.
1. Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Prices
A reputable locksmith will provide a fair and honest quote upfront, usually between £100-£200 for a standard lockout. If a price seems unrealistically low, it’s probably a trap.
2. Check Reviews & Credentials
Before hiring a locksmith, check their Google reviews, website, and business credentials. Look for locksmiths with verified customer feedback, a real business address, and industry accreditations like the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA).
3. Ask for a Fixed Price Before Booking
Always request a clear price breakdown before confirming a booking. Max the Locksmith, for example, provides upfront pricing, so customers know exactly what they’ll pay before work begins.
Why Choose Max the Locksmith?
If you’re looking for a reliable, transparent, and professional locksmith in Nottingham, Derby, Mansfield, Chesterfield, Loughborough, or nearby areas, Max the Locksmith is the right choice.
• Fair & Honest Pricing – No fake “£49” quotes, just real, upfront costs.
• No Hidden Fees – The price you’re quoted is the price you pay.
• Fast & Professional Service – A local locksmith who respects your time and won’t overcharge.
• Emergency Lockouts, Lock Repairs, & Lock Replacements and Installation – Covering all locksmith needs with professionalism and care.
Final Thoughts
If you see a locksmith advertising £39 or £49, be cautious—it’s likely a scam. These misleading ads take advantage of people in stressful situations, leading to unexpectedly high bills.
For a trusted local locksmith with transparent pricing, choose Max the Locksmith—it’ll save you money, stress, and frustration.
Need a locksmith you can trust? Contact Max the Locksmith today!