Checkatrade local directory.

knightstyle

So this is our local directory and circled is a national company with no local operators.

Browntoa

I made the mistake of ringing one of these as it had a local landline number 

Being mse I asked the cost of a visit " depends on the engineer" was their reply " depends where they are coming from " 

You are not a local company are you I enquired..... At which point he started to get angry so I decided to put the phone down. 

Also beware fake local phone numbers 

mebu60

The local phone no is very sneaky.

I have used Belvoir Locks & Glass and would highly recommend for both. He's based in Grantham.

Lockshaw based in Barrowby near Grantham advertises in the local free magazine. 

Albermarle

It is not really a scam, which is a somewhat overused word in these forums.
It would be a scam if you paid them upfront, and they then disappeared.
This is more just a bit dodgy/ trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

flaneurs_lobster

Here is a list of tradespeople/companies that offer services to people in your locality.

There is no claim that those offering the services are based locally.

How exactly is this a "SCAM"?

knightstyle

flaneurs_lobster. The leaflet is titled. "Your Local Trade Directory" so anyone would thing these were local tradespeople.  But these locksmiths are not!

flaneurs_lobster

knightstyle said:

flaneurs_lobster. The leaflet is titled. "Your Local Trade Directory" so anyone would thing these were local tradespeople.  But these locksmiths are not!

Since you are obviously concerned by this "scam", why don't you suggest to your local locksmith (however you define "local") that they pay to be included in the next edition?

Personally I couldn't give a toss if a tradesperson is based next door, in the next street or 200 miles away as long as they are qualified for the job, have a good reputation and can complete the job in a timely fashion at the agreed price.

Better that than some cowboy bodge-artist who just happens to share my postcode.