How to Choose a Trustworthy Locksmith in Amsterdam: 7 Red Flags to Avoid

When you’re locked out of your home or need to upgrade your security, hiring a locksmith can feel like an emergency. But not all locksmiths are created equal—and in a city like Amsterdam, where both good and bad operators exist, you need to choose wisely.

Before handing over access to your home, office or car, here’s what you need to know about spotting a good locksmith—and what to watch out for.

Why Choosing the Right Locksmith in Amsterdam Matters

Hiring a locksmith isn’t just about fixing a lock. It’s about giving someone access to the thing that protects your family, your belongings and your privacy.

Unfortunately locksmith scams have become more and more common—even in well organized cities like Amsterdam. From overcharging to damaging property or using low quality parts, hiring the wrong person can leave you with more problems than you started with.

The good news? You can avoid most of that by knowing what to look out for.

7 Red Flags When Choosing a Locksmith in Amsterdam

1. No Physical Address or Local Presence

A good locksmith will have a verified local address, or at least a strong presence in the city they serve. If you can’t find a physical location on their website or business listing, that’s a big red flag.

Try searching their business address on Google Maps. If the address points to a parking lot, residential home or worse—nothing at all—it’s best to stay away.

2. Vague Pricing or Suspiciously Low Quotes

Scammers often lure in customers with very low initial quotes, only to add surprise fees once the job is done. If a locksmith can’t give you a clear quote over the phone or gives vague answers like “It depends,” be wary.

In Amsterdam the average cost for a standard door opening is between €75 and €125. Anything much lower might be too good to be true.

3. No Branding or Identification

Good locksmiths wear uniforms, drive branded vans and carry official ID. If someone shows up in an unmarked van and refuses to show ID or proof of company affiliation, don’t let them do the job.

Always ask: “Which company are you with?” and verify that the name matches the one you contacted.

4. No (or Fake) Online Reviews

Online reviews are the easiest way to check credibility. Look for locksmiths on Google, Trustpilot or local directories like Marktplaats or Werkspot.

Watch out for listings with only 5 star reviews posted in a short time frame or with generic comments. Real reviews mention specific experiences, locations (like De Pijp, Jordaan or Amsterdam Zuid) or technicians by name.

5. Pushy Sales Tactics or Unnecessary Replacements

If a locksmith tries to convince you that your perfectly fine lock needs replacing—or insists on installing a high-cost system without proper explanation—they might be more interested in upselling than helping.

A reliable locksmith will assess your situation and explain your options clearly before proceeding.

6. No License, Certification, or Insurance

In the Netherlands, locksmiths aren’t legally required to be licensed, but they should still be registered with the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel) and follow industry standards.

You should also check if they install SKG-certified locks, which meet Dutch security standards. Lastly, don’t forget to ask if they carry liability insurance—this protects both of you in case something goes wrong during the service.

7. No Paper Trail or Poor Communication

A trustworthy locksmith will provide an invoice, confirmation email, or at least a written estimate before starting any work. If they refuse to put anything in writing or are reluctant to communicate clearly, consider it a red flag.

Good customer service and professional communication are just as important as the technical work.

How to Find a Reputable Locksmith in Amsterdam

To avoid the risks above, here are a few practical tips for finding a reliable locksmith:

• Look for locksmiths with a strong online presence and years of experience.
  
• Ask for referrals from neighbors or local Facebook groups in Amsterdam.
  
• Check if they’re available for 24/7 emergency service, which is especially helpful for unexpected lockouts.
  
• Verify that they work with SKG-approved hardware and reputable brands.
  
• Save the contact info of a vetted locksmith before you actually need one.
  

Bonus Tips to Avoid Locksmith Scams

• Use WhatsApp or phone calls to confirm the locksmith’s identity and arrival time.
  
• Ask for a clear quote before they arrive, and confirm it again in person.
  
• Don’t pay in cash without receiving a receipt.
  
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, cancel the job.
  

Conclusion

Choosing a locksmith isn’t a decision you want to make under pressure. By knowing the red flags and doing a little homework, you can protect yourself from scams and ensure you’re hiring a professional you can trust.

If you’re looking for a reliable, certified locksmith in Amsterdam, we’re here to help—24/7, with no hidden fees and fast service across the city.

📞 Call Slotenmaker Amsterdam now or save our number for future emergencies.