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Beware of the £49 Locksmith Scam & The Importance of Fire Door Compliance in London

Writer: Frank @ KEEPSHUT Frank @ KEEPSHUT

Beware of the £49 Locksmith Scam & The Importance of Fire Door Compliance in London


Introduction


Londoners are increasingly falling victim to rogue locksmiths exploiting the £49 call-out scam, a deceptive tactic designed to lure customers with a low initial price before dramatically increasing costs.


At Keepshut London, we help property owners and businesses avoid scams by connecting them with trusted locksmiths and fire door specialists who meet industry standards and compliance regulations.


This article will cover:

How the £49 locksmith scam works

Tips to avoid rogue traders

The importance of fire door compliance in London

How to find BM TRADA Q-Mark certified fire door specialists


The £49 Locksmith Scam: How It Works


1. Misleading Pricing


Rogue locksmiths advertise a call-out fee, making their service seem like an affordable option.


2. Hidden Charges & Overpriced Services

  • Once on-site, they claim the job is more complicated than expected. Common tactics include:

  • Unnecessary drilling of locks (even when picking is possible)

  • Installing cheap, low-quality locks while charging premium prices

  • Adding excessive labor fees without justification


Customers often end up paying hundreds of pounds for a job that should have cost far less.


Pressure Tactics & Lack of Accountability

  • Some rogue locksmiths refuse to leave until full payment is made.

  • They may withhold keys or lock mechanisms to force a higher payment.

  • They provide no receipts or warranties, leaving customers with no way to dispute poor workmanship.


How to Avoid Rogue Locksmiths

  • Check for MLA Accreditation

  • The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) vets and approves reputable locksmiths. Find an MLA-approved locksmith here: locksmiths.co.uk


Avoid too good to be true pricing

A legitimate locksmith will provide a clear price estimate before starting work.


  • Look for reviews and company details

  • Verify their business address, contact information, and customer feedback.


Avoid cash payments & Use traceable payment methods for accountability.


The Importance of Fire Door Compliance in London


While rogue locksmiths pose a serious risk to security, poorly maintained fire doors can have deadly consequences.


Why Fire Door Compliance Matters


Fire doors are essential for:

  • Slowing the spread of fire and smoke

  • Protecting escape routes

  • Complying with fire safety regulations


Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, responsible persons in residential buildings must ensure fire doors are regularly inspected and maintained.


Common Fire Door Issues That Lead to Non-Compliance

  • Gaps around the door exceeding 3mm

  • Incorrect or missing intumescent seals

  • Uncertified door hardware (locks, handles, closers)

  • Damage or warping from wear and tear


How to Find Trusted Fire Door Specialists in London


At Keepshut London, we connect property owners, landlords, and businesses with BM TRADA Q-Mark certified fire door specialists to ensure compliance with UK fire safety laws.


Why Choose a BM TRADA Q-Mark Certified Specialist?


  • Fully accredited under the Q-Mark Fire Door Installation & Maintenance Scheme

  • Experts in fire door surveys, maintenance, and certification

  • Ensure compliance with BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN 1634-1 fire resistance standards


Find Certified Fire Door Experts


To locate BM TRADA-approved fire door specialists, visit:


Need Help with Fire Door Compliance or Trusted Locksmith Recommendations?


At Keepshut London, we work with a network of accredited professionals who provide:

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

  • MLA and BM TRADA-certified services

  • High-quality workmanship and compliance with fire safety regulations


Need assistance? Click here to email our project manager for more information.


Don’t take risks with rogue traders, get in touch today!

 
 
 

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