Next Steps

Thanks — we’ve got your report. To maximise your chances of a refund and help stop this happening to others, follow the steps below. Keep your photos, invoice, messages and call logs safe.

Report the crime

Tell Action Fraud (24/7) or call 0300 123 2040. You’ll get a crime reference number to quote to your bank and card provider.

Report to Action Fraud

Alert Trading Standards

Report via the Citizens Advice consumer service. They pass cases to Trading Standards and will advise you on your rights.

Report to Trading Standards (via Citizens Advice)

Safety First

If you feel at risk, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101 or report online to your local police. Don’t confront the trader. Keep all evidence (invoices, texts/WhatsApps, call logs, screenshots).

Recover your money

Use the path that fits how you paid. Move quickly and attach proof (invoice, screenshots, Action Fraud ref).

Chargeback (debit or credit card)

Ask your bank or card issuer to raise a chargeback for misrepresentation/overcharging or services not provided with reasonable care and skill.

Chargeback guidance – Citizens Advice
Dispute a charge – American Express

Section 75 (credit card £100–£30,000)

If you paid by credit (not debit) and the total was £100–£30,000, you may claim under Section 75. The lender can be jointly liable for breach of contract or misrepresentation.

Section 75 – Financial Ombudsman Service
Card payment disputes – FOS overview

Cash / bank transfer

Send a Letter Before Claim and, if needed, use the Small Claims process.

Make a money claim (GOV.UK)

Hurt the rogue networks

Report misleading ads and fake listings. This creates takedowns and payment bans.

Complain to the ASA (misleading ads)
Report an online scam ad (ASA)
Report fake business info – Google Redressal
How to edit/flag a place on Google Maps
Report suspected VAT fraud to HMRC

What to keep (evidence)

  • Invoice/receipt (even handwritten), card receipt, any VAT number shown
  • Photos/video before/after the job
  • Texts/WhatsApps, emails, call logs (numbers visible)
  • Screenshots of ads/search results/Google listing used to find them
  • Names, van/vehicle reg, and any witnesses
  • Your Action Fraud / police reference

Template wording (copy/paste)

Subject: Disputed locksmith transaction – misrepresentation/overcharge – Ref: [Action Fraud ref]

I wish to raise a chargeback / Section 75 claim. I engaged a locksmith found via [platform/ad].
I was misled on price and charged £[amount] for [job] quoted at £[quote], and/or the work was not carried out with reasonable care and skill.
Evidence attached: invoice, advert/screenshots, messages/call logs, and my Action Fraud/police ref: [ref].
Please confirm receipt and next steps.

Quick links

Action Fraud
Citizens Advice → Trading Standards
ASA complaint
Google Business Redressal
Money Claim (small claims)
FOS: Section 75
Report VAT fraud (HMRC)

Need help? Reply to our confirmation email with any updates or if you’d like us to help draft your card dispute or small claim — free.