Locksmith scam targeting businesses reported in Tukwila
Oct 21, 2026, 7:54 AM
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The Tukwila Police Department (TPD) said a locksmith scam that previously targeted other South King County cities earlier this year has been reported in Tukwila.
They said the scheme involves scammers removing legitimate locksmith stickers from commercial business doors and replacing them with fake stickers containing fraudulent phone numbers.
According to police, scammers sometimes intentionally damage door locks to force unsuspecting victims into calling the number listed on the fake stickers. The scammers then pose as legitimate locksmiths to offer replacement services.
The fake locksmiths charge inflated prices for replacement services. While replacing the lock, the scammers retain a copy of the key, which police said can later be used to burglarize the business or residence.
In addition to key copying, police warned that scammers retain customer financial information collected during payment processing to make fraudulent purchases.
Police advised business owners and residents needing lock replacements to research service providers before calling. TPD recommended choosing a reputable company with positive reviews and a valid business license, and avoiding numbers matching or closely resembling fraudulent door stickers.
