directunlocks.co.uk

alumende27

Unless things have changed in recent years the ONLY people who can unlock an iPhone are apple themselves or the carrier to whom the phone is locked. The unlocking is done on apples servers, and no company other than the carrier is authorised to submit unlocking requests.

Therefore you can usually be assured that any third party offering an iPhone unlocking service are scammers.

Most, if not all phone companies will unlock a phone for free or a minimal fee after an initial period of 6months to a year, and it should only take around 1 working day.

jonesMUFCforever

DiXy wrote: »

They advertise an unlocking service for $17.99 specifically for my phone model and carrier. After I paid that, they wrote me saying that they have contacted my carrier with the details of my specific device, who told them that my device was indeed eligible. However, they asked for an additional $42 to unlock it (and no refund possible for the $17.99). I paid the additional amount, and a few days later they wrote me saying that they were not able to unlock the phone, and they would only refund the money if I sent them proof of purchase for my device. After I sent the proof of purchase, they replied that they will not reimburse the money, but only offer credit towards another unlock (which we already know does not work anyway).

Speak to your bank about charging back the transactions - for services not received?

Bob_by

This is a proper scam, when you are first at the order details page just before payment I can confirm there is no mention at all of any extra fees until after you have paid then they change what you're device will see, basically if you try and go through the ordering process again you see a different version of the website with the details of extra payments on the order page quite clearly, making you think you miss read it. I have reported this to action fraud and I am currently requesting a refund through the payment company Nochex that handled the payment (similar to PayPal) and I suggest everyone does the same, you are within your right as at a minimum the receipt doesn't match what they are making out you ordered. As a online consumer you have a massive amount of rights these days! They are also giving incentives for 5 star reviews.

OldDIYer

Is it worth pursuing fraud claim? I was conned too. Phone was unlocked but it cost 3 times original quote and took at least 3 times as long.

OldDIYer

I doubt if I will get my £3 for leaving a review and they'll probably get it deleted for using offensive language.

Deceptive Con

They claim to unlock in 24 hours from £14.99. They charge £17.99 and after 24 hours ask for another £32 whick they say was made clear earlier. That's a lie and I have the screen shots to prove it! I had to send good money after bad as I was away and needed the unlock. So it costs 3 times their advertised price and takes at least 3 times as long. A con indeed.

grayme-m

Have you considered asking your credit card company to do a charge back of the two extra payments (having shared all your evidence)?

OldDIYer

Have you considered asking your credit card company to do a charge back of the two extra payments (having shared all your evidence)?

I've done that now, thanks.

ASA say 'they are currently in discussions with the advertiser', which seems odd as they made a ruling against them on 25 July 2018: https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/direct-unlocks-a18-447541.html

It seems they are toothless. I thought they had greater powers. I've asked them a few more questions.

grayme-m

That ASA ruling appears to miss the point for me.

The issue isn't so much how many get the service for £12.99, but how you pay that, then are asked for more with the threat you've lost the initial £12.99.

If you apply for a loan that could be 'from 3%', they don't send you the money then tell you you're locked into a loan at 7%.

Brainteaser

I had a similar experience, paid up front then secondary charges. I didn't pay but made a complaint to ASA, I saw they had made previous judgements against Direct Unlocks, this is their reply, early September 2019: Reported to ASA this is their reply:

Thank you for contacting the ASA regarding Direct Unlocks, I am sorry to hear about your experience.

Just to make you aware due to the number of complaints we’ve received about this company, and due to their unwillingness to co-operate with us, our Compliance Team have referred the matter to our legal backstop, Trading Standards.

That says it all!!

OldDIYer

It does say it all - but what toothless enforcement - Direct Unlocks just carry on conning people with no action against them.