How To Avoid Locksmith Scams

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from a locksmith scam is knowing what jobs should cost before you pick up the phone. Scammers rely on urgency and ignorance. When you know the going rate, inflated quotes become obvious immediately.

The figures below are based on 2026 Australian market data, aggregated across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast.

After-hours callouts do cost more, and legitimately so. A reputable locksmith will typically charge $100 to $150 just for the callout fee after hours, with labour on top. What you should be suspicious of is a locksmith advertising an unusually low callout fee (think $15 or $29), then presenting a $500+ invoice once the job is done.

Locksmith scams follow predictable patterns. Knowing them makes you far less likely to fall victim, especially during a stressful lockout situation.

The Bait-and-Switch Quote

A locksmith advertises a $15 callout fee online. Once they arrive, they claim the job is complex, the lock needs replacing, or special tools are required, and the bill jumps to $400 or more. This is the most common scam and it specifically targets people who are locked out at night or in an unfamiliar area.

Fake Business Listings

Scam operators create multiple fake business listings on Google Maps, often using suburb names to appear local. They use a single call centre and dispatch whoever is available, sometimes unlicensed operators. The business name and address won't check out if you look closely.

Unnecessary Lock Drilling

A skilled locksmith can open most standard residential locks without drilling. Some scammers claim a lock must be drilled to justify charging for a full replacement, even when it wasn't necessary. You then pay for both the labour and new hardware.

Excessive Parts Markups

Hardware stores sell a standard deadbolt for $40 to $80. Some scam locksmiths charge $150 to $300 for the same lock, citing "commercial grade" or "security grade" products that don't match what's actually installed.

Australia does not have a single national licensing body for locksmiths, but most states and territories require locksmiths to hold a security licence. Here's what applies in each jurisdiction:

State and Territory Licensing Requirements

• NSW: Security licence required under the Security Industry Act 1997, issued by NSW Police.
• Victoria: Private security licence required under the Private Security Act 2004, issued by Victoria Police.
• Queensland: Security licence required under the Security Providers Act 1993, issued by Queensland Police.
• Western Australia: Security agent licence required under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996.
• South Australia: Security licence required under the Security and Investigation Industry Act 1995.
• ACT, NT, Tasmania: Check with the relevant state or territory authority, as requirements vary.

Ask to see a locksmith's licence number before they start work. You can verify most licences online through the relevant state police or licensing authority website. A legitimate tradesperson won't be offended by the request.

Other Verification Steps

• Search the business name on Google and check reviews on Google Maps, not just the website.
• Look for a physical address, not just a suburb name. Call the number listed on the business website directly.
• Check if they're a member of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA). MLAA members undergo background checks and skills assessments.
• Businesses like Terry's Locksmiths (4.9 stars, 3017 reviews) and Tas Mobile Locksmith (5 stars, 1591 reviews) are examples of operators with substantial review histories, which makes their credibility far easier to assess than a listing with three reviews and no photos.

If you've been overcharged or received a bill that bears no resemblance to what was quoted, you have options.

Dispute the Charge

If you paid by card, contact your bank immediately and raise a dispute. Card chargebacks are possible where a service was misrepresented. Document everything: the original quote, the final invoice, photos of any work done, and records of your communication with the locksmith.

Report the Incident

• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): Lodge a report at accc.gov.au if you believe the pricing was deceptive under Australian Consumer Law.
• Your state's fair trading body: NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria, the Queensland Office of Fair Trading, and equivalent bodies in other states handle disputes with tradespeople.
• Your state police licensing authority: If the locksmith was unlicensed, report this directly. Operating without a security licence is a criminal offence in most states.

Leave a Detailed Review

A factual, detailed Google review helps other Australians avoid the same situation. Stick to the facts, dates, costs, and what happened. This is one of the most effective community-level protections against scam operators.