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IS GOOGLE FINALLY DOING SOMETHING ABOUT LOCKSMITH FRAUD / SCAMS ?
By The Locksmith World
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IN A PARTICULARLY INTERESTING article on Search Engine Journal , it would seem that Google is starting a big crack down on locksmith scammers at last . The crackdown is targeting Google maps / places listing and Adwords accounts . As anybody currently listed on Google maps will already know , you have to go through a small verification process to prove your business is located where you say it is . This is done by sending a verification notice to the address containing a code that you then enter into your Google My Business page .
The new verification process will involve answering questions on a form provided by Google and also a third party verifying company . The process is supposed to be quick and simple and will effect existing listings and new fresh listings . It appears that this is starting in San Diego . There has been much said about locksmith scams in the United States , where unlicensed locksmiths are trading fraudulently and ripping off customers of hundreds of dollars .
Here ’ s how the scam works :
• After being locked out of one ’ s home , a quick Google search brings up a list of local locksmiths .
• Google returns AdWords ads and Google My Business listings for locksmiths promising cheap or inexpensive service rates .
• Calling one of these bargain locksmiths actually routes you to an offshore call centre , where they dispatch someone local to come to your door .
• The locksmith shows up and , before trying any other options , immediately drills the lock open and slaps you with a large bill for the service .
• The cheap service you thought you were getting then turns into a large expense .
But what about us in the U . K .? As you all know , we do not need to be licensed to trade as locksmiths in the U . K . So how would Google get scammers out of their listings over here ?
If it does come into force here , hopefully the verification process will find a better way of stopping the address fraud of companies that have loads of listings with different addresses .
But , in my opinion , it ’ s not going to get rid of national companies over charging or Bob the odd job man making a complete mess of a job . I believe the only way we can do that is by licencing locksmiths in the U . K . and making it illegal to trade without the correct documents and training / exams .
Sources : www . searchenginejournal . com / googlefights-fraud-cracking-plumbers-locksmiths / 175362 / https :// support . google . com / business / answer / 7105241 ? hl = en & ref _ topic = 7168925 www . the-locksmith-world . co . uk
Cowboy Tradesmen
Home services marketplace , Plentific . com ’ s , latest consumer insight has found that 4 out of 5 ( 79 %) of UK homeowners do not ask to see evidence of VAT credentials when hiring a tradesman .
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DESPITE GROWING WARIER OF cowboy tradesmen , the majority of UK homeowners do not check their tradesman ’ s VAT credentials . The HMRC estimates that £ 3.4 billion * is uncollected every year from VAT fraud . Whilst it is legal for a tradesman to not be VAT registered when earning under £ 83,000 per annum , there are some that claim to be VAT registered so that they can charge customers higher prices .
Although the VAT charge can appear on the bill , if the trade professional is not upfront with their credentials , they can keep the 20 % fee . Consequently , the homeowner is overcharged whilst participating in VAT fraud .
Plentific ’ s survey found that homeowners aged 18-34 are twice as likely ( 41 %) to ask to see their trade professional ’ s VAT credentials when compared to the UK ’ s average . Perhaps this generation are more cost-conscious and inclined to negotiate the final price . Londoners too are cautious with 37 % asking for evidence . This may be a result of the higher prices for London services , causing the homeowners to be wary of additional expenses . Nottingham , on the other hand , appears to care the least , as only 12 % said they would ask to see the VAT credentials .
Despite the varied results across the UK , however , the majority of homeowners do not ask to see evidence of a trade professional ’ s VAT credentials . Whilst it is not imperative to confirm a trade professional ’ s VAT number or even to hire a registered specialist , homeowners are more likely to get a better deal if they are registered .
Stephen Jury , spokesperson for Plentific , said : “ Homeowners are very cost-conscious , however according to our research , they ’ re unaware that they could be paying too much for their home improvements . By simply asking for a Pro ’ s VAT number and instantly confirming this online , you know you ’ re not being overcharged .
“ As part of the Plentific verification process , we confirm VAT credentials to ensure our listed trade professionals are not acting against the law or overcharging our customers .”
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL . CO . UK | NOV / DEC 2016