Locksmith Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Locksmiths in India

When you're locked out of your home or car, a locksmith scam, a deceptive service where unlicensed operators charge high fees for poor or fake work. Also known as fake locksmiths, these operators often use fake local numbers, inflated prices, and pressure tactics to take advantage of people in distress. It’s not just a problem overseas—it’s happening right here in India, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore where emergency locksmith services are in high demand.

Most fake locksmiths, unlicensed individuals who pose as professionals to exploit urgent situations show up in search results with flashy websites and 24/7 phone numbers, but they’re often just call centers that dispatch random drivers with no training. They’ll tell you your lock is broken and needs replacing—when it’s not. Or they’ll charge ₹3,000 to open a simple door that should cost ₹500. Some even install cheap locks on purpose so they can come back later for another "repair." The emergency locksmith, a legitimate professional who provides urgent lock services with proper licensing and transparent pricing is real—but you have to know how to find one.

How do you tell the difference? Look for a physical address, not just a PO box. Ask for their license number—India doesn’t have a national locksmith license, but reputable ones belong to local trade associations. Check Google reviews with real photos and detailed stories, not just five-star spam. If they won’t give you a quote over the phone before arriving, walk away. And never pay in cash upfront. A real locksmith will show up in a branded van with ID, tools, and a receipt.

You’ll find real stories in the posts below—from people who got ripped off by a "24-hour locksmith" who vanished after taking ₹4,000, to others who saved themselves by verifying credentials before letting anyone touch their lock. Some posts even compare prices across cities, list red-flag phrases scammers use, and show you how to report fraud to local consumer cells. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, knowing how to avoid these traps can save you money, stress, and even your security.