How to Avoid Locksmith Scams

Locksmith scams follow a predictable script. Learn the warning signs, how to verify any California license in a minute, and what to do if you feel pressured.

By Jared Dygert · Licensed Locksmith, CA #LOC8542

Locksmith scams are one of the most common home-service rip-offs in the country — and they hit hardest when you're already stressed during a lockout. The good news: the scam almost always follows the same script, so once you know the pattern it's easy to avoid. Here's how to protect yourself, and how to verify any locksmith before they touch your door.

How the classic locksmith scam works

It usually plays out in four steps:

  1. You search "locksmith near me" in a panic and call a number with a local-looking listing.
  2. A friendly dispatcher quotes a suspiciously low price — say "$19 plus the service call."
  3. An unmarked car arrives. The technician claims your lock is "high security" and has to be drilled and replaced.
  4. The final bill is several hundred dollars — cash only, no receipt — and your perfectly good lock is destroyed.

The low phone quote was never real. It exists only to get someone to your door. A legitimate locksmith doesn't operate this way.

Warning signs to watch for

  • Refuses to give a business name or license number when you ask.
  • No valid license on the state database (more on verifying below).
  • Answers the phone with a generic "locksmith" instead of a company name.
  • Shows up in an unmarked vehicle or under a different business name than the one you called.
  • Several different "locksmiths" appear to operate from the same phone number.
  • A quote that's far below normal rates — then jumps dramatically on arrival.
  • Insists your lock must be drilled or replaced when non-destructive entry is clearly possible.
  • Cash only, with no receipt or paperwork offered.
  • Pressure to decide or pay right now.
A real locksmith gives a clear price up front, arrives under the company name you called, carries a license number you can check, uses non-destructive methods first, and hands you a receipt.

How to verify a locksmith's license (California)

In California, locksmiths are licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). You can verify any locksmith for free in under a minute:

  1. Go to search.dca.ca.gov.
  2. Search the business name or license number.
  3. Confirm the license type is Locksmith Company or Locksmith Employee and that the status is current.

If a locksmith won't give you a number to check, that's your answer.

What to do if you feel pressured or unsafe

  • Do not give in to pressure to pay an inflated price.
  • Ask for the license number and verify it on the spot.
  • You are allowed to refuse service and ask them to leave before any work is done.
  • Don't hand over cash to make someone go away — it rarely ends the demand.
  • If you feel threatened, call 911. Your safety comes first.

How to report a locksmith scam

Reporting helps shut these operations down and may help you recover money:

  • California BSIS / Department of Consumer Affairs — file a complaint against the locksmith at bsis.ca.gov.
  • FTC — report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  • Local police — especially if you were threatened or coerced.
  • Your card issuer — if you paid by card, dispute the charge.

How we do it differently

Kraken Locks & Safes is a licensed (California Locksmith Company #LOC8542) and insured locksmith. We quote a fair price before any work begins, use non-destructive entry for the large majority of lockouts, accept cards and give receipts, and we'll hand you our license number to verify before we start.

Verify us first. California Locksmith Company License #LOC8542 — view our license on the state database →
Call (818) 309-5761