25/03/2026
🔎 Misleading locksmith adverts are appearing at the top of search results.
Some rogue operators advertise very low call-out fees and appear local online, but jobs are often routed through national call centres and passed to subcontractors. Once on site, customers can face significantly inflated prices.
Even more concerning, reports show untested locks and cylinders being fitted and sold as “high security” — sometimes significantly higher than properly tested products.
This doesn’t just affect emergency locksmith services. It can:
• Mislead and overcharge consumers
• Undermine professional locksmiths
• Damage trust in independently tested security products
• Erode standards across the security industry
To address this, the Master Locksmiths Association has launched a UK Parliament petition calling for stronger governance around emergency trade advertising, particularly where paid adverts dominate search results.
As part of the MLA family, and as a leading certification body for security products, Sold Secure is supporting the campaign to help protect consumers and uphold confidence in trusted security standards.
🖊 Sign the petition:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/759825
🔁 Please share to help raise awareness.