Locksmith scams are one of the most common home-service rip-offs — and Maryland passed a law specifically to fight them. Knowing the warning signs can save you from a stressful situation turning into an expensive one.
Why Maryland created the Locksmiths Act
Before the Maryland Locksmiths Act, victims would call a company advertising itself as "local," only to discover it was a distant call center that dispatched an unvetted subcontractor — then billed far more than a reputable locksmith would charge. The law now requires locksmith businesses to be licensed and prohibits misrepresenting their location.
Red flags to watch for
- A price quoted on the phone that sounds too good to be true — then jumps dramatically on site
- No business name given when they answer the phone
- An unmarked vehicle and a technician with no ID or license
- Insisting on drilling out your lock (a destructive, pricier "solution") when non-destructive entry is possible
- Cash-only demands and no written pricing
How to protect yourself
- Choose a genuinely local service that serves your specific area
- Ask for pricing before work begins, and confirm the final price on site before anything starts
- Expect the locksmith to ask for ID and proof you're authorized — that's a good sign, not a hassle
- Be wary of the lowest bid; honest, licensed work has a fair price
The honest alternative
We're a local Baltimore-area dispatch service that connects you only with independent, Maryland-licensed locksmiths who actually work in your community. You get upfront pricing, no bait-and-switch, and a 60-day guarantee — the opposite of the phantom-locksmith model the law was written to stop.
Need a locksmith in the Baltimore area?
We'll dispatch a licensed local locksmith fast — with upfront pricing and a 60-day guarantee.