Locksmith fraud is increasingly becoming a concern, with reports indicating a 20% increase in such cases over the past year, as revealed by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). This alarming trend has been attributed to deceptive practices by fraudulent locksmiths who entice customers with misleadingly low prices and vague cost details. Often, these unscrupulous individuals advertise services for less than £60, a rate significantly lower than the industry standard, raising red flags about the legitimacy of their offerings.
The MLA warns that reputable locksmiths typically do not charge call-out fees, and customers should expect to pay an average hourly rate of between £80 and £100 for emergency services, depending on the time of day. Common scam tactics include claims that the locking mechanism has failed or that the key cannot be extracted, necessitating costly repairs. Such repairs can fetch up to £400, with some locksmiths insisting on taking the mechanism to their workshop, leaving customers feeling intimidated and vulnerable.
In more extreme cases reported by the MLA, locksmiths have returned with assistance to reinstall the mechanism, subsequently presenting exorbitant bills. One such incident involved a locksmith billing a staggering £1,406 for a repair. These fraudulent activities have left many consumers feeling duped and out of pocket, prompting calls for increased awareness and caution when seeking locksmith services.
The Consumer Credit Act offers a potential avenue for protection against such scams. However, some banks have reportedly refused to refund customers under this provision. In these instances, affected individuals may seek recourse through the Financial Ombudsman Service, which can intervene when banks decline refund requests related to locksmith scams.