The "Forty-Niners": The Scam Hiding in Plain Sight
The locksmith industry has a hidden problem, and it’s something every customer should be aware of. We call them "forty-niners"—individuals who advertise a deceptively low price, often around £49, to open your door. They appear at the top of Google Ads, preying on a customer's weak moment of panic.
What they don't tell you is the full truth. Lacking the skill or experience to open a lock non-destructively, they resort to the fastest method: snapping or drilling the lock. They will make an excuse, claiming your particular lock is "impossible to pick," when in reality, they just lack the fundamental skill to do so.
This is where the real scam begins.
What started as a simple, low-cost quote for entry turns into a spiralling bill. The customer is charged a call-out fee, a fee to force the lock, and a fee for a new lock—which is often the cheapest available. On top of that, they will charge VAT and any other hidden fees they can add to the total.
A true professional, with the proper skill and dedication to the trade, will always give you an upfront cost and attempt a non-destructive entry first. A lock is designed to protect your home, and an ethical locksmith respects that by doing their best to preserve it.
Don't fall for a cheap price and risk a huge bill and a damaged door. Choose a professional who values skill over profit.
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