The Melbourne Locksmith Scam Warning

Melbourne residents are being urged to take extra care when booking emergency locksmiths, as reports of bait-and-switch pricing continue to affect people locked out of homes, particularly after hours.

The locksmith scam usually starts with a cheap advertised price. A customer searches online for an urgent locksmith, finds a business that appears local, and is quoted a low fee over the phone. Once the technician arrives, the price changes.

The customer may be told the lock is more complicated than expected, that the original price only covered attendance, or quite often claiming falsely that the lock must be drilled and replaced. By that point, the customer is under pressure. They may still be locked out, it may be late at night, and the person carrying out the work is already at their door.

Consumer Affairs Victoria has previously warned Victorians about specific locksmith services allegedly charging higher-than-advertised prices, forcing consumers into payments and providing unsatisfactory service. The warning highlighted cases where customers were quoted one price and later invoiced much more after work had been completed.

A professional locksmith should be able to explain what they are doing, why a particular method is needed, and what the total cost will be before continuing.

The major warning sign is pressure. If the price changes suddenly and the customer feels pushed to agree on the spot.

Customers should be cautious if the advertised price appears unusually cheap. A very low “from” price often does not reflect the full cost of an emergency locksmith job, particularly after hours.

Some operators use online listings that appear local but may be connected to call centres or lead-generation networks. In these cases, the customer may believe they are calling a local locksmith, when the job is actually being passed on to an unknown third party.

A vague business name is another warning sign. If the person answering the phone does not clearly identify the company, ask for the full business name, location and contact details.

Before booking, customers should ask what the callout fee includes, whether there is an after-hours surcharge, what the minimum total cost is, and what could cause the price to increase.

The person attending should also be able to identify themselves and provide clear business details. Customers should be wary if the technician arrives without identification, paperwork, an invoice system or a clear connection to the company that was contacted.

The safest approach is to choose a trusted locksmith before an emergency happens. Saving the number of a reputable local locksmith can help avoid rushed decisions when standing outside late at night.

Most locksmiths are legitimate tradespeople providing an important service. But emergency lockouts create a situation where customers are vulnerable and decisions are made quickly.

The advice is simple. Confirm who you are calling, ask what the price includes, do not agree to drilling without an explanation and get the cost confirmed before work begins.