Master Locksmith Association warn of UK locksmith scams

Master Locksmiths' AssociationOur report last month regarding locksmith scams focused on victims in America, where they had called upon the services of what they understood to be a genuine locksmith firm but in fact had inadvertently employed a scam firm using a local locksmith business’ name. However, it would seem that bogus traders are now operating in the UK. The Master Locksmith Association (MLA) have recently reported on worrying scams occurring here in the UK, one involving a fraudulent locksmith company working within a school. Their blog dated 17/02/14 says:

[quote]One particularly scary example provided by one of our members is where work was done in a school by people purporting to be from their company, who were in fact nothing to do with them. They even signed in under the name of the company! The potential ramifications of having unknown, probably unvetted people in a school environment are terrifying.[/quote]
The MLA posted on Google + yesterday afternoon about a genuine MLA member locksmith company in Enfield falling victim to the scam – the scammer has even gone so far as to list themselves on Google Maps using the genuine locksmith’s address.

Here at Alexandra locksmiths we would like to reiterate the following advice should you require the services of a locksmith

  • Forward planning of what to do should you lock yourself out of your home would be very wise. Having a reputable locksmith’s number stored in your mobile will avoid making a hasty and potentially very expensive decision regarding which company to call should the need arise for their services. Alexandra Locksmiths can be contacted on 020 8883 1555 or 020 8364 2000.
  • When you call, ask for the company name and make sure it matches the name of the company you think you are calling. Be wary if they answer with something vague such as “Locksmith Services” or “Local Locksmiths”.
  • Are the company you are calling a member of the Master Locksmiths Association? Being an MLA member means that the person arriving on your doorstep will have been vetted, trained, subject to Criminal Record checks and regular inspections. Alexandra Locksmiths are MLA members – our licence number is 002809.
  • Beware of a quote that would seem too low. Of course, given the current economic climate, everybody wants to be assured of value for money and we at Alexandra Locksmiths share that view. However, don’t be tempted to risk the safety and security of your home on what initially seems to be a bargain price, when actually the final invoice equates to a huge bill for inadequate work. Alexandra Locksmiths will always quote ahead of any work required so the customer will not be faced with a nasty surprise of an over inflated bill on completion of any works carried out.

Should you be in the London area and  require a locksmith then do give Alexandra Locksmiths a call.