Secret filming catches locksmith charging 10 times quote

"A couple initially expecting to pay less than 50 for a locksmith became victims of a "bait-and-switch scam" which ended up costing them more than 5,000, an investigation has found. The scam involves baiting a customer with an initial cheap quote before adding on hidden charges and carrying out unnecessary work that leads to spiralling costs. As part of the BBC's investigation, the company involved - 24/7 Locksmiths UK - was secretly filmed trying to charge up to 10 times the original quote for the job."

"Maureen and Eric Reynolds, both 85, were locked out of their home in London last December when they closed their front door with the key still in the lock. A relative called the first locksmith company that came up on an internet search, saying 24/7 Locksmiths UK quoted the family 49 to get them back inside. "The guy pulled up and [our grandson] did ask him if he had the tool to get the key out," said Eric, who added the locksmith replied: "Oh no, no, no I don't carry that." Maureen explained that the locksmith told them he would have "to drill the door" rather than trying to gain entry to their home via a side door. The locksmith then drilled the lock and replaced the broken parts while their grandson waited with them. But once their grandson left, the locksmith claimed to find fault with the lock itself and said the whole thing needed replacing. "I didn't know what else to do," said Eric. "Otherwise he was going to shoot off and I'd be left with an open door, and couldn't shut it." The locksmith eventually produced an invoice for 2,802, writing that he would not charge the couple VAT."

An elderly couple in London were locked out after leaving their key in the door and contacted 24/7 Locksmiths UK, which quoted £49 to gain entry. The attending locksmith said he did not carry the extraction tool, drilled the lock and replaced broken parts. After the couple's grandson left, the locksmith claimed the entire lock needed replacing and presented an invoice for 2,802, stating no VAT would be charged. The company was secretly filmed attempting to charge up to ten times the original quote and later appeared to have shut down its website.

Read at www.bbc.com