A distressing surge in lockdown scams has left thousands of pounds in the pockets of unsuspecting Britons, with a staggering 147% increase in reported incidents across the UK in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period last year. This alarming escalation has sparked concerns among industry experts that the situation may be spiralling out of control.
Sarah, 30, a mother of a three-month-old baby, was left vulnerable after misplacing her keys and being forced to seek emergency assistance. She fell victim to one such scammer who presented himself as a legitimate locksmith, advertising prices from £45 with glowing online reviews. However, upon arrival, the individual claimed that Sarah's lock required drilling due to its high-security status and then proceeded to replace it. After gaining entry and allegedly damaging an internal mechanism, he presented her with a bill for £2,209.
Sarah described feeling pressured into paying, with the locksmith becoming 'quite pushy' once inside her property, where her baby was lying on a changing mat. This harrowing experience mirrors that of another individual who lost their keys over a May bank holiday weekend and fell prey to a similar scam. Despite being warned by a mother about the dangers of 'dodgy locksmiths', they used a top-ranking search result and were quoted between £45 and £80. However, upon arrival, the locksmith claimed an inflated cost of £250, citing difficulties with the lock, before eventually lowering the price to £145.
These cases demonstrate a common tactic employed by scammers: capitalising on customers' immediate needs and distress. They often appear prominently in online search results, sometimes through paid advertisements, presenting themselves as reputable professionals. Initial low quotes are then significantly inflated once the locksmith is on site, typically with claims of complex lock types or unforeseen damage. Victims report feeling intimidated and pressured into paying, especially when alone or with dependents.
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) has acknowledged the concerning rise in reported scams, underscoring the severity of the issue. This trend suggests that consumers must exercise extreme caution when selecting a locksmith, particularly in urgent situations. The ease with which these fraudulent services can appear at the top of search engine results makes it challenging for the public to distinguish between genuine professionals and opportunists.
As reported cases continue to surge, experts warn of the dire consequences of this escalating issue. With thousands of pounds lost by unsuspecting victims, consumers are advised to remain vigilant when seeking locksmith services, considering multiple reviews and quotes before making a decision. In an effort to combat these scams, the MLA is urging individuals to report any suspicious activity and warning legitimate locksmiths to maintain high standards in their industry.