Auburn Police are warning area residents about fraudulent locksmith stickers being placed on doors in the city’s north end, a scam that has been reported in other parts of the country.
Police said scammers allegedly remove legitimate locksmith stickers and contact information and replace them with fake ones.
When residents call the phone number on the fraudulent sticker, the individuals who answer may pose as legitimate locksmiths and offer service.
Police said the scam could allow suspects to make copies of keys under the guise of providing locksmith assistance, with the keys later used to commit burglaries.
The “silver foil” style sticker is the signature of an international locksmith syndicate that are designed to look like “official” property or maintenance tags to trick people into thinking they are calling a pre-approved service.
Photos courtesy Auburn Police Department.
Several visual details in these stickers raise red flags commonly associated with locksmith and lockout scams:
- The stickers appear unofficial and hastily applied, with crooked placement, peeling edges and tape or residue visible, suggesting they were added after the fact rather than as part of a legitimate business installation.
- Both stickers prominently advertise 24 hour or 24/7 service but list only a phone number, with no business name, license number, physical address or local branding that would allow customers to verify legitimacy.
- There is no clear, verified business listing online that directly ties the phone numbers (206 672-0270 and 206-672-0271) to a licensed locksmith or legitimate local company in Seattle or King County.
- The use of generic wording such as “24 7 Locksmith,” “Door Service,” or “Locks Glass,” along with Spanish language terms like “Cerrajero,” is typical of mass produced scam stickers used in multiple cities. The term “Bs”d” could also be an indicator.
- One sticker also appears to cover or replace another sticker, consistent with reports that scammers remove legitimate locksmith information and substitute their own.
Taken together, these characteristics match well-documented patterns used in fraudulent locksmith schemes nationwide.
At this time, police said information is limited, but the department issued the alert so residents can remain vigilant.
The Auburn Police Department advised residents to be cautious of unfamiliar locksmith stickers on doors, to use locksmiths they trust or contact directly, and to report suspicious activity or questionable stickers to local authorities.
