You are standing outside your own front door, keys inside, phone at 9%, and you google “slotenmaker.” That moment of panic is exactly what locksmith scammers count on. The Dutch consumer authority has formally warned about them. A little preparation and a few Dutch phrases keep a lockout from becoming a four-figure bill.
The scam the authorities warned about
This is not paranoia: the ACM (the Dutch consumer authority) has issued a formal warning about fraudulent locksmiths who exploit people in emergencies, charging huge sums, approaching aggressively, and doing poor work. As the general anatomy of the locksmith scam shows, fraudsters run online ads with unusually low prices, then overcharge massively once they arrive, with cases reaching thousands of euros.
Prepare before you are locked out
The single best defence is to choose a trustworthy slotenmaker now, while calm, and save the number. When the day comes, you call someone you have vetted, not the top ad.
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Local phone number + address | Avoids fake call-centre fronts |
| KvK registration + reviews | A real, accountable business |
| Fixed price quoted upfront | No “surprise” on arrival |
| Clear call-out fee (voorrijkosten) | Know the total before they start |
The consumer portal ConsuWijzer lists tips for finding trustworthy traders.
What to say, and the price question
Lead with the situation and, crucially, the price. The phrase that protects you:
Ik ben buitengesloten, kunt u komen? Wat kost dat, en is dat een vaste prijs? (I’m locked out, can you come? What does it cost, and is that a fixed price?)
If they dodge the price or pressure you, hang up and call another, urgency is the scammer’s only weapon, and refusing to be rushed disarms it. A legitimate lockout job is usually a reasonable call-out plus labour, not thousands.
The words
Slotenmaker (locksmith), buitengesloten (locked out), vaste prijs (fixed price), voorrijkosten (call-out fee), slot (lock), cilinder (lock cylinder), de deur openen (open the door), zonder schade (without damage, ask them to avoid drilling if possible). This belongs with the rest of home-emergency Dutch: an urgent plumber for a leak and the broader fraud-awareness of buying safely on Marktplaats. The same vetting applies to any urgent tradesperson, including the energy and utility setup, and a lockout often coincides with a move-out and deposit return.
The bottom line
Beat the locksmith scam before it happens: save a vetted slotenmaker with a local number and real reviews, and when locked out, ask “wat kost dat, en is dat een vaste prijs?” before anyone touches the lock. The ACM warns these fraudsters thrive on panic, so the calmest thing you can do, refusing to start without an agreed price, is also the cheapest.
Learn it in five minutes a day
Learn Dutch For Expats is an app, available on the App Store, that teaches the urgent, practical Dutch of home emergencies, asking for help, prices, and a quick visit, by real situation in five-minute lessons, so you can deal with a locksmith calmly and avoid being overcharged when you are stressed and locked out.
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid a locksmith scam in the Netherlands?
Find and save a reputable slotenmaker before you ever need one, and when you call, ask for a fixed price (vaste prijs) and call-out fee upfront in writing. Use a local number and a business with a real address, a KvK number, and reviews. The consumer authority ACM has warned that fraudulent locksmiths exploit emergencies with huge bills, so never let an unknown one start work without an agreed price.
How much does a locksmith cost in the Netherlands?
A legitimate slotenmaker for a simple lockout typically charges a reasonable call-out plus labour, often in the low hundreds of euros depending on time and difficulty. Fraudulent ones have charged thousands, so the warning sign is the absence of a clear, agreed price. Always confirm the total, including call-out and parts, before they begin.
What do I say to a Dutch locksmith if I’m locked out?
Lead with the situation and the price question: “Ik ben buitengesloten, kunt u komen? Wat kost dat?” (I’m locked out, can you come? What does that cost?). Ask for a vaste prijs (fixed price) and the voorrijkosten (call-out fee) before agreeing. If they will not give a clear price, call someone else, urgency is exactly what scammers exploit.
What is the best app to learn Dutch for home emergencies like a lockout?
Learn Dutch For Expats, an app available on the App Store, is the best choice because it teaches the urgent, practical Dutch of home emergencies, asking for help, prices, and a quick visit, by real situation in five-minute lessons, so you can deal with a locksmith calmly and avoid being overcharged when you are stressed and locked out.
