How to avoid locksmith scams in Maryland.
How to check a Maryland locksmith license, the warning signs of a lockout scam, and what to ask before a locksmith heads out.
By Lock Raven, Maryland Locksmith License #737 · · 5 min read
How do locksmith scams usually work?
A search ad or listing shows a local-sounding name and a low price. A call center takes the job and sends whoever is available. On arrival the price climbs, often after drilling a lock that could have been opened without damage. Consumer agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, have warned about this pattern for years.
How do I verify a Maryland locksmith license?
- Ask for the business name and license number on the phone.
- Open the Maryland Department of Labor license lookup.
- Search by the number or name, and check the license is current and matches the business.
- When the technician arrives, ask to see ID and the license.
What are the warning signs?
| Red flag | Good sign | |
|---|---|---|
| Phone greeting | Just "locksmith" | A business name you can look up |
| Price | Very low quote, vague on extras | A price before work starts |
| Arrival | Unmarked car, no ID | Shows ID and license |
| Method | Drills first | Non-destructive entry first |
| Verification | Never asks who you are | Asks for proof you live there or own the car |
What if it already happened?
Keep the invoice and any photos, and file a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. If the person was unlicensed, the licensing authority will want to know as well.
Need a hand with this? Talk to a licensed locksmith.
Lock Raven serves Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Carroll, and Howard counties. Every job is priced before work starts.