Locksmith Scams in Summerville SC
What the June 2026 Investigation Revealed

A June 2026 Lowcountry television investigation exposed a bait-and-switch locksmith network operating under at least six brand names across the Charleston and Summerville area — including a company specifically using the “Summerville Locksmith” brand name.

The operation worked like this: customers searched Google for a local locksmith and found listings with low prices — a “$19 service call” or a quote under $200. A technician was dispatched from an out-of-state call center. Once work began, the price jumped to $400, $578, even $1,250 for jobs that three licensed locksmiths independently valued at $150–$350.

One victim told investigators she paid $578 for two car key replacements that should have cost under $200. Another paid $1,250 for a lockout — confirmed by multiple licensed locksmiths as a $100 job. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs subsequently issued a formal consumer alert about this exact scam pattern.

If the price changes BEFORE work starts:

Tell the technician you’re declining service. You may owe a travel fee if one was disclosed on the call — ask. Get in your car or back inside if possible. Call another locksmith. A service that quoted before dispatch will honor that price.

If the price changes AFTER work starts:

Photograph the technician, their vehicle, the license plate, and any invoice. If you are forced to pay, pay by credit card (not cash) so you can dispute the charge. A price change after work commences without your agreement may constitute a deceptive trade practice under SC consumer law.

Report it:

File a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs at consumer.sc.gov or call 1-800-922-1594. ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) at aloa.org also maintains consumer resources and a verified locksmith directory.