Been Scammed — The Law

The law on locksmith scams — criminal offences that rogue locksmiths commit

Rogue locksmiths commit multiple criminal offences simultaneously. The Fraud Act 2006, Consumer Protection Regulations 2008, VAT Act 1994, and DMCCA 2024 all apply. Here is exactly what the law says — and who enforces it.

Report to Trading Standards → Bad Actors Database →

10 years

Maximum sentence — Fraud Act 2006

Unlimited

HMRC VAT fraud fine

10%

CMA fine — % of global turnover

ÂŖ10,000

Small claims court maximum

Fraud Act 2006 — up to 10 years imprisonment

Fraud by false representation

Quoting ÂŖ49 on the phone knowing you will charge ÂŖ600 on arrival. Every bait price quote is potentially a criminal offence under Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Fraud by failing to disclose information

Not informing the consumer of the true price before starting work. Section 3 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Fraud by abuse of position

Exploiting a consumer in distress — locked out, vulnerable, elderly, alone. Section 4 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008

The CPRs 2008 cover misleading and aggressive commercial practices. Every stage of the rogue locksmith model is covered.

Misleading geographic origin

Claiming to be local when operated from an overseas call centre. Regulation 5.

Aggressive commercial practices

Refusing to leave until paid. Using intimidation. Creating undue pressure. Regulation 7.

False business identity

Invoice company name differing from the listing name. Regulation 6.

VAT Act 1994 — charging VAT without registration

💰 This is the most actionable offence — report it now

Charging VAT without being VAT registered is a criminal offence. Check any VAT number at gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number. If invalid — call HMRC on 0800 788 887 immediately. Free. Anonymous. HMRC has powers to freeze accounts and pursue directors personally.

Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Act 2024

Fake reviews — criminal offence since April 2025

Commissioning or publishing fabricated reviews is now a specific criminal offence under the DMCCA 2024. The CMA can fine companies up to 10% of global annual turnover. Report fake review patterns to the CMA at gov.uk/cma.

Fair ranking conduct requirement — June 2026

Google is legally required to rank search results using objective and non-discriminatory criteria. Fake listings systematically outranking genuine local operators is a documented breach of this requirement.

Who enforces these laws

Trading Standards via Citizens Advice 0808 223 1133 — CPRs 2008, Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013
HMRC — 0800 788 887 (free, anonymous) — VAT Act 1994 — account freezing, personal director liability
Action Fraud — reportfraud.police.uk — Fraud Act 2006 — National Crime Agency escalation
CMA — gov.uk/cma — DMCCA 2024 — fake reviews, fair ranking
Companies House — report.companieshouse.gov.uk — Companies Act 2006 — false information, suspicious activity

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 →