Been Scammed? — What to Do
How to report a dodgy, cowboy, or rogue locksmith in the UK. Trading Standards, Action Fraud, HMRC, Ofcom — who to contact, what to say, and what to keep.
Do this immediately — today
Call your bank now. Do not wait. The sooner you request a chargeback or Section 75 refund the better your chances of getting the money back.
Call your bank immediately
Credit card over £100 — Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 gives you a legal right to a refund from your card provider. Say "I wish to make a Section 75 claim." Debit card — request a chargeback. Say the price was misrepresented — you were quoted one amount and charged significantly more.
Keep all evidence
Keep the invoice. Screenshot the website. Note the phone number. Note the company name on the invoice — especially if it differs from the name you called. Photograph any damage to your door or lock. These are all evidence.
Report to Trading Standards
Call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. Give them the company name, the phone number you called, the amount quoted, and the amount charged. They will log it and refer to Trading Standards.
Report to Action Fraud
Go to reportfraud.police.uk. Include the phone number you called, the website URL, and the company name on your invoice.
💰 Report VAT fraud if VAT was charged
Check the VAT number on your invoice at gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number. If it does not exist or does not match the company — report to HMRC on 0800 788 887. Anonymous reporting accepted.
Search the company name or phone number in the bad actors database. Over 120 rogue operators are documented — if yours is listed you will find contact details, Companies House information, and other victims' experiences.
Search the bad actors database →locksmithscams.co.uk — independent public interest resource — not affiliated with any organisation.
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