Been Scammed — Aggressive Behaviour

Aggressive locksmith behaviour — your rights and what to do

A locksmith who refuses to leave, makes threats, or uses intimidation is committing a criminal offence. You have rights. Here is exactly what to do — including when to call 999.

📞 Call 999 if threatened Bad Actors Database →

999

Call if you feel threatened

CPRs 2008

Criminal offence — aggressive practice

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You owe nothing above the agreed price

Trading Standards

0808 223 1133 — report it

If you feel threatened — call 999 immediately

⚠ Your safety comes first

A locksmith who refuses to leave your property, makes threats, or uses physical intimidation is committing a criminal offence. Call 999 immediately. You are not wasting police time. This is a criminal matter.

What constitutes aggressive behaviour

🚩 Refusing to leave until paid

A locksmith who will not leave your property until you pay an inflated invoice is using physical presence as coercion. This is an aggressive commercial practice under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Criminal offence. Call 999.

🚩 Verbal threats

Threatening to damage your property, threatening legal action, or making personal threats to obtain payment. Criminal offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

🚩 Physical intimidation

Blocking your doorway, standing over you, using physical size to create fear. Assault does not require physical contact. Call 999.

Call 999 if you feel physically threatened.

🚩 Taking your property

Removing parts of your lock or keeping your key to force payment. This is theft under the Theft Act 1968.

Your rights — what you can do

You can refuse to pay the inflated amount

A verbal quote on the phone is a contract. If the price changed on arrival without your agreement — you are not legally obligated to pay the higher amount. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires a trader to charge a reasonable price.

You can ask them to leave

A tradesperson does not have the right to remain in your home once you have asked them to leave. Refusal to leave is trespass.

You can pay under protest

If you feel unsafe and pay to get them to leave — write "paid under duress" on any receipt or send a text saying so. This preserves your right to dispute the charge and reclaim via your bank.

After the incident — what to do

1

Call your bank

Section 75 credit card, chargeback debit card. Mention you paid under duress if applicable.

2

Report to Trading Standards

0808 223 1133. Specifically mention the aggressive behaviour — the CPRs 2008 has specific provisions for aggressive commercial practices.

3

Report to Action Fraud

reportfraud.police.uk. Include the phone number, company name on the invoice, and a description of the behaviour.

4

Report to the police

If threats were made — report to your local police station or call 101. Retain any evidence including texts, WhatsApp messages, and the invoice.

Been overcharged by a locksmith?

Call your bank immediately. Trading Standards: 0808 223 1133. Report Fraud: reportfraud.police.uk.

How to get your money back →

locksmithscams.co.uk — independent public interest resource — not affiliated with any organisation. View the full bad actors database →