Irish public urged to watch out for bogus locksmiths with warning about one website

The Private Security Authority said punters are most at risk of being duped when searching online

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• 09:01, 14 MAR 2024 UP DATED BY FRED BASSETT, APRIL 2TH 2024.

Irish people are being urged to be cautious of fake locksmiths who operate without licences in Ireland.

The Private Security Authority, an agency under the Department of Justice, warned that people searching online for locksmiths are the most likely to fall victim to the scam. They revealed that these dishonest locksmiths usually quote a low price initially, only to hike it up drastically later, reports the Irish Mirror.

The warning also highlighted that the tools and techniques used by these dodgy locksmiths can cause damage. The PSA, which regulates the private security industry, emphasised: “Members of the public should exercise extreme care when selecting a locksmith to call to their home or business.“This is especially important if searching online for a reputable locksmith, and the exercise of caution is even more important in an emergency situation.” Additionally, they stressed: “It is a common tactic of unlicensed locksmiths to quote a low price and then drastically increase the price once they arrive at the customer’s location.”

“Unlicensed locksmiths often use tools and techniques that cause damage and charge multiples of the quoted price when in your house.”

The PSA has warned people to be cautious of a specific website, http://www.locksmith24h-7.info, stating that their locksmiths do not have a licence to operate in Ireland.