Imagine this scenario: You’re locked out (Sheit happens) of your home, late at night, and in a panic, you call the first locksmith you find online. When they arrive, things seem fine at first, but once the job is done, they hand you an unexpected bill that’s much higher than you were told. Worse yet, the lock OR door is damaged, or you find out later that the locksmith wasn’t the expert you hoped for.
Unfortunately, many people have experienced this type of locksmith scam- check this Reddit page about locksmith Scammers in the Netherlands by Redditors. But don’t worry—if this happens to you, there are clear steps you can take to address the situation and avoid becoming a victim again. In this blog, we’ll guide you through exactly what to do if you’ve been scammed by a locksmith. You can also check our list of “malafide slotenmakers OR List of locksmith scammers“.
Do not pay the Locksmith!
This one is important, if you you Pay the bill, you’ve legally accpeted the Terms of Service or Use. In other words; you’ve agred upon the price and there fore payed the pricy bill. So our golden advice is:
- do not pay.
- please do NOT pay .
- make sure you have no money nor cash on you – so that you can not pay (so smart).
- If things get of hand, call the Police, stay calm and polite.
Stay Calm and Gather Information
The first thing you need to do is remain calm. It’s tempting to react immediately, but take a moment to gather all the details you need.
Make sure you have the following information at hand:
- The name of the locksmith or company.
- A receipt or invoice, if you received one.
- The agreed-upon price, if you had a price quote in writing.
- Photos of any damage caused to your lock or door (if applicable).
- Any communications, like emails or text messages, you had with the locksmith.
Having these details is critical for the next steps, especially if you need to take legal action or file a formal complaint.
Refuse to Pay the Excessive Bill
If the locksmith presented you with a bill much higher than what was initially agreed upon or seems unjustified, don’t feel pressured to pay it right away. Ask for an itemized breakdown of the charges, and question any fees that seem unreasonable. Legitimate locksmiths should provide a clear and transparent price list before starting the work.
In some cases, the locksmith may try to intimidate you into paying on the spot. Stand firm and only pay what was agreed upon or seems fair. If they threaten to withhold your keys or further damage your property, you may need to involve the authorities.
Contact Locksmith.nl to get a second opinion
Locksmith has repair service in case a scammers has come by and left the locks broken or damaged. If the work was done poorly or you were overcharged, try contacting the locksmith company directly to resolve the issue. Explain your concerns and ask them to correct any problems, whether it’s refunding part of the money, fixing a damaged lock, or providing a proper invoice.
In many cases, a calm conversation can resolve the situation, especially if the locksmith is part of a legitimate business. If they refuse to cooperate, it’s time to move to the next step.
File a Complaint about the locksmith scammer
When direct communication doesn’t work, your next move should be to file a formal complaint against the locksmith. Here are some key organizations you can turn to:
- Consumer Protection Agencies: In the Netherlands, you can reach out to organizations like ConsuWijzer or the Consumentenbond. These agencies assist consumers who have been scammed and can offer advice on how to proceed.
- The Economic Inspectorate (FOD Economie): If the locksmith violated specific industry regulations or engaged in unfair practices, you can report them to the Economic Inspectorate. This organization monitors businesses for compliance with economic laws and can investigate your case further.
- Locksmith Trade Associations: Some locksmiths are members of trade associations that have their own complaint mechanisms. If the locksmith is part of such an association, you may be able to escalate your complaint directly to them. Always ask locksmiths if they belong to a professional association before hiring them.
Filing a complaint not only helps your case but can also prevent the same locksmith from scamming others in the future.
Bust the Scammers B4lls – Leave an Online Review
While this may seem small, leaving an honest review of your experience online can have a big impact. Many people rely on online reviews to make decisions, and sharing your experience can help others avoid falling into the same trap. Be factual in your review and provide as much detail as possible about the service, the charges, and any shady practices.
Post your review on relevant platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, and the locksmith’s website (if they have one).
Seek Legal Action (if necessary)
If the amount of money involved is significant or if the locksmith caused considerable damage, it might be worth seeking legal advice. In the Netherlands, you can take the locksmith to small claims court if you believe you’ve been unfairly charged or your property was damaged.
Make sure you have all your documentation ready, including photos, receipts, and correspondence with the locksmith. A lawyer specializing in consumer rights or contract law can advise you on whether you have a strong case.
Avoid Being Scammed by Scamming locksmiths in the Netherlands in the Future
Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid falling victim to locksmith scams in the future, here are some key steps you should take:
- Do Your Research: Before calling a locksmith, research reputable companies in your area. Look for companies with good reviews, verified credentials, and clear pricing on their websites.
- Ask for a Price Estimate Upfront: Always ask for a quote before the locksmith starts working. The quote should include all costs—service fees, labor, parts, and any potential extra charges.
- Check Credentials: Make sure the locksmith is licensed and insured. In the Netherlands, you can check for certification through professional organizations like the Dutch Locksmith Association (Nederlandse Slotenmakers Gilde – NSG). Locksmith.nl isn’t part of this NSG, since we’ve put our own protocols, processes and uniform pricing scheme in place. There is no way to trick the system, our locksmiths als took the Locksmith.nl oath.
- Beware of Suspiciously Low Prices: If the locksmith is offering services at a much lower rate than others in the area, that’s a red flag. Scammers often lure victims with ultra-low prices, only to jack up the bill once the work is done.
- Avoid Paying Cash: Try to pay with a credit card or other traceable method. This makes it easier to dispute any charges if something goes wrong.
Being scammed by a locksmith can be frustrating and costly, but you don’t have to feel helpless. By taking these steps, you can recover your losses and protect yourself from future scams. If you’re ever in need of a reliable locksmith, remember to choose Locksmith.nl—we’re committed to transparent pricing, professional service, and protecting our customers from fraudulent practices.
Stay safe, stay informed, and don’t let a bad locksmith experience get the better of you.
