The "Lockout" Predicament
It’s 10:00 PM. You are locked out of your house. You Google "locksmith near me" and click the top result.
- The Promise:"$19 Service Call."
- The Reality:A bill for $450, a broken lock, and a technician who demands cash.
Fig 1. Beware of "lowball" price traps on search results.
This isn't just bad luck; it is an organized "Lead Gen" racket that has plagued the industry for a decade. But in 2026, the tide is turning. This guide explains how to protect yourself.
The CBS Mornings Investigation: A Wake-Up Call
In a viral investigation, CBS Mornings exposed the "Bait and Switch" tactic used by thousands of fake locksmith listings.
Watch the Pattern:
1. Lowball Quote
"$29 to get to you." No professional can operate a service vehicle for $29.
2. The "High Security" Lie
Every lock is suddenly "complex" once they arrive to justify the price hike.
3. The Drill
They don't have the skills to pick a lock, so they drill it to sell you a replacement at a 300% markup.
Google Fights Back: The Lawsuit
For years, fake listings flooded Google Maps, pushing legitimate local businesses to page 2.The Update (2026): Google filed a landmark lawsuit against major "Lead Gen" networks responsible for creating 10,000+ fake business profiles.
"We are taking legal action against the bad actors who are creating these fake business profiles... to protect small businesses and consumers."
— Halimah DeLaine Prado, Google General Counsel
While thousands of listings were purged, "Black Hat" operators still slip through advanced verification. You must be your own line of defense.
4 Steps to "Scam-Proof" Your Emergency
The "Generic Greeting" Test
When you call, listen carefully. If they answer with "Locksmith Service" or "Security," it's a call center. A pro will answer with their company name (e.g., "Bob's Locks").
The "Vehicle Audit"
Red flag: Unmarked sedan or magnetic signs.
Green flag: Permanently branded van with license numbers stenciled on the metal.
The "Drill" Warning
If a technician walks up and instantly reaches for a drill without trying to pick the lock first, stop them. A real locksmith can pick 95% of residential locks.
Check the ID
Ask for a State Locksmith License or ALOA card. Pros carry these with pride.
Why Unlokt Cares
"We don’t sell keys. We build software for real locksmiths — not lead-gen scammers."
Real locksmiths use Unlokt to send digital invoices with clear, itemized prices before the job starts, and to track inventory so they don't run out of parts mid-job.
Fig 2. Legitimate locksmiths operate clearly branded vehicles and carry professional ID.
Need a legitimate locksmith?
Learn how real locksmith businesses operate — and how to spot the difference.