10/03/2026
Glad to be a part of Trading Standards Buy With Confidence Scheme 🥰🥰
🔶Rogue Locksmith Alert🔶
Essex Trading Standards would like to warn residents that rogue locksmiths are operating in Chelmsford and surrounding areas.
Do not engage with cold callers knocking at the door and make sure you verify the details of the person you are speaking with as we are aware that some are masquerading as genuine reputable locksmiths.
Do not just accept that they say who they are, please check their credentials very carefully. Are they a member of an approved trader scheme such as Buy With Confidence Trading Standards Approved or are they a member of Master Locksmiths Association MLA.
They particularly target vulnerable people and often see the elderly and lone females as easy prey.
These rogue traders advertise mainly on Google for very cheap prices.
£39-£49-£59 are often the prices they advertise but when they get to your property the price goes through the roof, sometimes into the thousands of pounds.
They are normally the ones right at the top of the search list and they use a system called “Bait and Switch” bait you with a low price and then switch once at your property.
If looking for a locksmith or any work to be done at home, make sure you do your research and speak to friends and family for recommendation or choose Buy With Confidence Trading Standards Approved business that will treat you honestly and fairly. The only approved business scheme owned and run by Trading Standards.
Residents concerned about rogue traders operating in their area can contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
