Getting locked out of your car, van, or home is stressful enough - trust me, we’ve seen it countless times. The last thing you want is to fall victim to a locksmith scam on top of that. Unfortunately, there are people out there in Norfolk who will take advantage of the situation, charge over the odds, or perform work you simply don’t need. As a local Norwich team, we want to help you spot the warning signs, protect yourself, and understand how we do things differently.
How can I tell if a locksmith is genuine?
A trustworthy locksmith will tick a few key boxes:
- Local presence and verifiable contact - You want to know they’re really based in Norwich or elsewhere in Norfolk. Check for a physical address and a phone number that works.
- Proper ID and a branded van - Any professional locksmith worth their salt will arrive in a clearly marked vehicle and carry ID you can check.
- Trade credentials and approvals - For modern cars and vans, look for Thatcham-approved components or trade accreditations. These prove they know what they’re doing.
We always make this easy for our customers. When we turn up, you’ll know exactly who we are, and we’re happy to show ID before any work starts. No surprises, no worries.
What are the most common locksmith scams?
We hear stories all the time from customers who’ve been caught out. Some of the most frequent scams include:
- Inflated quotes on arrival - You might be quoted £80 over the phone, and suddenly they tell you it’s £150 when they get there.
- Unnecessary repairs - Some will claim your locks are “damaged” and need replacing when they actually don’t.
- Untrained staff - A locksmith without proper experience can damage your car’s electronics or even break your door.
- Upfront-only payment demands - Some companies ask for payment before showing up, then vanish or deliver shoddy work.
We don’t operate like that. At Norwich Auto Locksmith, you only pay once the job is done and you’re happy. No upfront payments, no hidden fees, and no shortcuts.
How can I protect myself from a scam?
A little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure you don’t fall foul of locksmith scams:
- Check reviews - See what other locals say about the company. Genuine reviews give you peace of mind.
- Ask for a clear quote - Make sure the price is confirmed before any work begins.
- Ask questions - How long have they been working? Are the keys Thatcham-approved? Is there a warranty?
- Choose a local, trusted team - A local locksmith will be accountable and approachable if anything goes wrong.
At Norwich Auto Locksmith, we make all of this simple: transparent pricing, full explanations, and a one-year warranty on all work.
How Norwich Auto Locksmith does things differently
Here are just a few of the things that set us apart from other companies in the local area:
- No upfront payments - We will never ask you for any form of payment up front. You only pay once the work is complete and you are entirely satisfied.
- Mobile service across Norfolk and Suffolk - We come to you, whether you’re locked out at home, work, or on the road.
- Experience you can trust - Modern vehicles, vans, and home locks are all covered.
- Full warranty on all work - From replacement keys to lock installations, we stand by our work.
The bottom line
Being locked out of your home or car is stressful and inconvenient. Falling victim to a scam is completely avoidable. Before you agree to anything or hand over a penny of your money, always check credentials, ask questions, and seek out a trusted local locksmith.
Over the years we’ve seen it all, and so our only goal is to get you back inside your car, van or home quickly, safely, and without any unnecessary cost or stress.