Warning issued over fake locksmiths scamming Hertfordshire residents out of hundreds
Trading Standards have received reports of residents being hit with bills of up to £1,200.
Hertfordshire Trading Standards is warning residents about a rise in complaints involving fake locksmiths who are allegedly charging people hundreds — and sometimes more than £1,000 — for emergency call-outs.
The scams often begin with an internet search for an emergency locksmith. Trading Standards says people are often drawn in by adverts offering a cheap call-out fee, sometimes around £50.
But after arriving at the property, the alleged locksmiths claim the lock is beyond repair and needs to be drilled out and replaced — causing the final bill to increase dramatically.
Simon Brindley, Trading Standards Manager at Hertfordshire County Council, said some residents expecting to pay around £50 have ended up being charged between £800 and £1,200.
He said: "Businesses can pay to appear at the top of internet search engines, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they're the best business or a legitimate business."
Mr Brindley said Trading Standards has seen complaints from a number of different businesses following a similar pattern.
He said: "It seems like there's quite an organised network behind this, because we're seeing complaints about a range of different businesses, but all following the same sort of modus operandi."
Residents warned not to choose the first search result
Trading Standards says people locked out of their homes are often in a vulnerable position, particularly if it happens late at night, at weekends, or when they have children with them.
Mr Brindley said scammers are aware of this vulnerability and can use pressure and aggressive tactics to get people to pay.
He said: "By default, you're in a vulnerable situation there. Unfortunately, these so-called locksmiths are well aware of that and know that they're in a position of power at that point and use aggressive trading practices and coercion to extort as much money as they possibly can."
Residents are being advised not to wait until they are locked out before finding a trusted locksmith.
Trading Standards recommends using a locksmith recommended by friends or family, or choosing one through a recognised trade association or an approved trader scheme.
Mr Brindley said: "They may not always be the cheapest, but they are definitely legitimate and that would be the best way to avoid this potential fraud."
What to do if you think you've been scammed
Anyone who wants advice or wants to report a concern to Trading Standards can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service.
People who believe they have been the victim of fraud can report it through Report Fraud, which shares information with police, Trading Standards and other enforcement agencies.