Homeowners are being scammed out of tens of thousands of pounds by a wave of rogue locksmiths who bully their victims into submission.
Families are being warned against a new crop of cowboy tradesmen who promise quick-fix jobs before threatening to lock people out of their homes if they don t pay extortionate bills.
Online giant Google is profiting from the scams by promoting the conmen through paid-for advertising, it is understood. One rogue company is believed to be paying to be promoted on the tech firm s search results.
Trade body the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) has received more than 800 complaints about rogue or fake locksmiths over the past year and in two-thirds of cases, customers are being overcharged by £200 or more.