A company claims there’s a growing trend of ‘bait and switch scams’ where landlords are duped by unrealistically low price advertising.

This could be, for example, for an emergency locksmith who then charges much more when the work is done. 

The locksmith claims the job is more complicated than originally described, adds hidden fees like parts or labour, or says you need extra work, such as replacing the whole lock mechanism, when you don’t. 

Suddenly, the cost goes from a £49 call-out charge to a £1,000 bill claims a company called Nothing But Padlocks.

There is also the risk that a cowboy locksmith causes damage to a property that is expensive for landlords to repair.

The firm claims that unlike other skilled trades, locksmiths don’t need any qualifications to work safely and legally.

So it is in a landlord’s best interests to research in advance and provide tenants with a shortlist of local emergency locksmiths they trust.

A spokesperson for Nothing But Padlocks advises consulting with industry bodies like the Master Locksmiths Association or checking with letting agents and landlord community groups.

He adds: “As a general rule, avoid clicking on sponsored ads, too. 

“Scammers often use paid online advertising to appear legitimate, even copying genuine business names. 

“They may also show addresses or map listings that don’t actually exist. 

“A better approach is to scroll past adverts to the organic Google rankings.

Once you have a shortlist of companies you trust, ensure your tenant has a copy of their details in case you aren’t contactable. 

“Encourage them to save these in their phone or a paper copy in their wallet. 

“If a tenant is locked out, they won’t be able to find the details in the back of a drawer.”