Greg's Corner

Locksmith Scammers Are Putting Fake Stickers on Doors

By Greg Collier

We often don’t think about locksmiths until we’ve locked ourselves out of our homes or cars or discover that a lock needs to be replaced. These situations can leave us frustrated and in a hurry to find someone who can help. Unfortunately, scammers are more than willing to take advantage of that panic.

A new warning from police in Tukwila, Washington, shows just how far some locksmith scammers are willing to go. Criminals are reportedly removing legitimate locksmith stickers from commercial doors and replacing them with fake ones. When someone needs help, they may unknowingly call the scammer’s number instead of a reputable locksmith.

And the potential damage goes well beyond an outrageous bill.

The Locksmith Scam Starts Before You Even Make the Call

According to the Tukwila Police Department, scammers have been replacing legitimate locksmith advertisements on commercial doors with fraudulent stickers displaying their own contact information. In some cases, they allegedly damage a lock on purpose, giving the business owner or resident a reason to call the number they left behind.

Think about how convenient that setup is for a criminal. They don’t have to wait for someone to search online for a locksmith. They can put their own contact information right where a person is likely to look when a lock needs attention.

Once contacted, the scammers pose as legitimate locksmiths and charge inflated prices to replace the lock. But the financial damage may not end when the customer pays the bill.

Police warn that the scammers may keep a copy of the key, potentially giving them a way to return later and burglarize the business or home. They may also retain payment information and use it to make fraudulent purchases.

In other words, the person you called to secure your property could leave you more vulnerable than you were before.

This Is an Old Scam With a Dangerous New Twist

This latest warning is a reminder that locksmith scams are not new. In an earlier warning, the Better Business Bureau cautioned consumers about scammers impersonating legitimate locksmiths.

That version of the scam typically begins when someone searches for emergency help after getting locked out. The customer is quoted an appealingly low price over the phone, only to discover that the final bill includes exorbitant fees after the work is completed. In some cases, the work itself is shoddy, particularly when the scammer replaces the locks.

The newer warning from Tukwila police adds another disturbing possibility. Rather than simply advertising a fake locksmith service, scammers may deliberately replace legitimate stickers or even damage a lock to steer customers toward their operation.

Both scams exploit the same vulnerability: people need help quickly and may not have the time or patience to investigate the person offering it.

When you’re locked out or worried about the security of your property, a locksmith who promises to arrive quickly can seem like a lifesaver. That urgency makes it easier for a scammer to get a foot in the door, sometimes literally.

The Price Tag May Not Be the Worst Part

An inflated bill is bad enough. But if someone has been given access to your locks and payment information, the consequences can be much more serious.

A key copied without your knowledge could potentially be used to gain access to your property later. That possibility is especially concerning for businesses that contain valuable equipment, merchandise, sensitive documents, or cash.

Retained payment information creates another risk. A customer who believes they have paid a locksmith for legitimate work may not realize that their financial details could be used for unauthorized purchases.

These risks are why it is important to treat locksmith selection as a security decision, not simply a search for the cheapest emergency service.

A locksmith may be working directly on the very thing that protects your home or business. You need to know who you are letting handle that responsibility.

How to Avoid Getting Taken for a Ride

The best way to protect yourself is to research locksmiths before you need one. Looking for a reputable business while you are calm is much easier than trying to make a good decision while standing outside your locked home or business.

Start by identifying established locksmiths in your area and checking their reviews. Look for a legitimate business name, verifiable contact information, and any required licensing or credentials. Tukwila police specifically recommend looking for a reputable locksmith with a license and good reviews.

Be cautious about a locksmith who answers the phone without identifying a company. Before authorizing work, ask for the business name, the estimated cost, and an explanation of what the service includes. If the final price changes significantly, ask why before agreeing to additional work.

When the locksmith arrives, ask to see identification and confirm that the person represents the business you contacted. Request an invoice showing the work performed and the charges.

You should also be suspicious of unexpectedly low quotes that turn into much higher bills once the work is underway. A quote is not much of a bargain if the price suddenly balloons after you have little choice but to proceed.

For businesses and property managers, there is another step worth taking: periodically inspect locksmith stickers or other service advertisements posted near doors and entryways. If a sticker appears to have been replaced, looks suspicious, or lists contact information you do not recognize, verify it independently before calling. Do not assume a number is legitimate just because it appears on your building.

If you suspect that a lock has been deliberately damaged or that a fake locksmith sticker has been placed on your property, consider documenting the damage and contacting local police.

Already Used a Locksmith You Don’t Trust?

If you believe a locksmith may have acted fraudulently, keep your receipt, invoice, payment records, and any messages exchanged with the company. Contact your bank or card issuer if you suspect your payment information has been misused.

If you are concerned that someone may have retained a key, consult a reputable locksmith about replacing or rekeying the lock. Depending on the circumstances, that extra expense may be worthwhile to restore your peace of mind and protect your property.

Report suspected fraud to local law enforcement and the appropriate consumer protection authorities. If the work was advertised through a website or online directory, consider reporting the listing as well.

Do Your Homework Before You’re Locked Out

The lesson from these warnings is that a locksmith scam can involve much more than an unreasonable service charge. Some scammers may use fake advertisements to attract customers, while others may allegedly manipulate the situation by replacing stickers or damaging locks.

Either way, they count on people being in a hurry and assuming that someone who claims to be a locksmith can be trusted.

Don’t wait until you’re standing outside your house or business to decide whom to call. Research reputable locksmiths in advance, verify their credentials, and question suspicious prices or unexpected changes to the bill.

A locksmith is supposed to help keep your property secure. Make sure the person you hire isn’t the very reason you need to worry about your security in the first place.