Locksmith scams are common on the Costa del Sol, and expats are a favourite target — a stressful lockout, a language barrier and an unfamiliar system make it easy to overcharge. Here is how the scam usually works in Fuengirola, and how to make sure you hire someone honest.
How the scam works
You search online, panicking, and call the first flashy advert promising "€15 call-out". A van arrives, the "technician" says your lock is complex, drills it out unnecessarily, and hands you a bill for €250–€400 — often demanding cash. The €15 was only ever bait.
Red flags to watch for
- Prices that are too good to be true — "from €9" or "€15 call-out" almost always end in a huge final bill.
- No fixed quote before work starts. An honest locksmith tells you the price up front.
- A call centre, not a local person. National numbers often dispatch whoever is cheapest, with no accountability.
- Rushing to drill. Most doors can be opened without damage; drilling should be a last resort, not the first move.
- No name, no reviews, no address. If you can't find who they actually are, walk away.
How to hire a locksmith you can trust
- Look for APFC certification — the professional standard for locksmiths in Spain.
- Get a closed price before any work. No surprises on the invoice.
- Choose a local, named locksmith with real reviews from your area.
- Ask if they open without damage. A skilled locksmith opens most locks by manipulation, so you keep your lock.
- Prefer someone who speaks English so nothing gets lost in translation.
What a fair price looks like
A standard emergency door opening in Fuengirola starts from €75, with the final figure depending on the lock and difficulty — and always agreed before work begins. That's very different from the "€15" bait that turns into hundreds.
Want a locksmith you can actually trust?
I'm Santiago, an APFC-certified locksmith based in Fuengirola, covering Mijas and the Costa del Sol. You deal with me directly — no call centre — with a fixed price agreed in advance and doors opened without damage whenever possible. Save my number before you need it: 650 53 34 56.
¿Necesitas un cerrajero en Fuengirola?
Te atiende Santiago en persona, con presupuesto cerrado antes de empezar.
