How to Spot a Locksmith Scam (And Hire a Real One)

You search "locksmith near me" in a panic, click the first ad, and an unmarked van shows up. The driver claims your lock needs to be drilled out for $400, and you don’t have a choice because you’re standing outside in the rain. This is the locksmith scam — and Los Angeles is one of its hottest markets.

The Anatomy of a Locksmith Scam

Scam operations work like this:

1. They run thousands of fake "local" Google ads with stolen photos and a different phone number for every neighborhood.
2. The number routes to an offshore call center.
3. The call center dispatches the closest contractor — often someone with no locksmith training.
4. The contractor quotes $19, then "discovers" your lock needs drilling, and charges $400+ in cash.

5 Warning Signs

• The price seems too low. Real locksmiths charge real prices. $19 lockouts are bait.
• Vehicle has no business name or markings. Real locksmiths drive marked vans.
• They want to drill the lock immediately. 99% of locks can be picked or bypassed without damage.
• They demand cash only. Real businesses accept cards.
• They can’t produce a license. California requires locksmiths to be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

How to Find a Real Locksmith

1. Look for a physical address. Visit it on Google Street View. Real shops have storefronts.
2. Check how long they’ve been in business. Long-standing local shops have reputations to protect.
3. Read reviews carefully. Watch for patterns like "they tried to drill my lock" or "tripled the price on arrival."
4. Ask for a written quote before they start. Real locksmiths will give you one.
5. Verify the license. The California BSIS website lets you look up locksmith licenses.

If You’re Mid-Scam

Refuse to pay the inflated price. Take photos of the vehicle and ID. Call your credit card to dispute. Report to the California Attorney General’s office and the BBB.

Abe’s Lock & Key has served Los Angeles from the same Honolulu Ave shop since 1924. Licensed, insured, and listed in the State of California. Call 818-249-5128 if you want a real locksmith.