How to Avoid ‘Bait and Switch’ Rogue Locksmiths
As a trusted Glasgow locksmith, I see firsthand how stressful being locked out of your home is. Your priority is to get back inside as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, that sense of urgency is exactly what rogue locksmiths rely on to mislead, overcharge and take advantage of customers.
A recent BBC investigation highlighted just how widespread this issue has become across the UK. The programme discovered cases where people were initially attracted by very low advertised prices, only to be hit with dramatically higher bills once the locksmith arrived. In some situations, customers were charged hundreds or even thousands of pounds for what should have been a very straightforward job.
This particular scam is known as ‘Bait and Switch’ and it is not restricted to London. Glasgow homeowners, businesses and tenants are equally at risk!
Common ‘Bait and Switch’ Tactics Rogue Locksmiths Use
Many rogue locksmiths use misleading pricing to get their foot in the door. A cheap quote is given over the phone or online, but once on site, the story quickly changes.
- Claiming the lock is “high security” or “non-standard”
- Insisting that the door must be drilled immediately
- Adding extra labour charges without prior agreement
- Replacing locks unnecessarily
- Applying pressure so customers feel they can’t refuse
The BBC found that in some cases, locks were drilled even though non-destructive entry was possible. What should have been a simple lockout then became a full lock replacement, significantly increasing the final bill.
Unfortunately, this is common practice in Glasgow too. Poorly trained and rogue locksmiths often carry out unnecessary, destructive entry to gain access to a property and then charge very inflated prices to install a low quality replacement lock!
Why This Harms Honest Locksmiths
These practices don’t just affect individual customers financially. They also damage trust in the entire locksmith trade. At Liberty Locksmiths, my reputation is very important to me. I work hard to build relationships, offer fair pricing with quality parts and always use non-destructive methods wherever possible. Rogue locksmiths undo that trust and make it harder for customers to know who they can rely on.
Honest locksmiths have been aware of these scams for many years, but the BBC investigation has helped shine a much brighter spotlight on just how serious the problem has become.
How to Avoid Rogue Locksmiths in Glasgow
If you ever need a locksmith, a few simple checks can help protect you:
- Be wary of the sponsored listings at the top of the search results page
- Be cautious of extremely low advertised prices
- Ask for a clear price before work begins
- Check that the business is genuinely local
- Look for consistently good reviews and recommendations
- Avoid anyone who insists on drilling straight away
- Don’t feel pressured into agreeing to extra work
Choose a Local Locksmith in Glasgow You Can Trust
At Liberty Locksmiths, I provide straightforward, honest locksmith services with no hidden fees. Wherever possible, I use non-destructive entry techniques and my pricing is always clear, so you’re never hit with unexpected charges. Being locked out is stressful enough. By choosing a reliable local locksmith, you can be confident the work will be completed to a very high standard, using quality parts, without paying over the odds.
