Summary
An investigation by the BBC found that a locksmith company, 24/7 Locksmiths UK, charged significantly more than their initial quotes and performed unnecessary work. Secret filming showed the company increasing their fees up to 10 times the original price. After being approached by the BBC, the company did not respond and has since shut down its website.
Key Facts
- The locksmith company quoted customers under £50 but charged over £5,000 after doing unnecessary work.
- An elderly couple, Maureen and Eric Reynolds, were charged £2,802 by the locksmith for locking them out of their home and damaging their door.
- The company 24/7 Locksmiths UK was filmed by the BBC increasing their service fee by ten times after arriving at the job.
- The BBC found many other people with similar experiences in London and Essex.
- A locksmith expert confirmed that the tasks could have been done quickly and without damage using standard tools and techniques.
- The BBC's investigation led to the locksmith company's website being taken down, and the company did not provide a response.
