Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing
Homeowners and renters looking for help from locksmiths are being warned to be wary of a business alleged to have charged higher than advertised prices, forced consumers into making payments and overall provided unsatisfactory services.
Our Acting Director, Rhys Benny, has issued a public warning about Wise Tech Services Pty Ltd (ACN: 667 832 377) which trades as Victorian-based business Pick & Lock.
Pick & Lock provides locksmith technicians for emergency lockouts, lock replacement and general residential locksmith services through its website www.pickandlock.com.au
Last year, we received 109 contacts from people unhappy with Pick & Lock’s services. Consumers in New South Wales have also been affected.
The complaints received were claims that Pick & Lock’s technicians:
- misled people about their prices
- misled people about whether they needed services at all
- didn’t respond to complaints
- harassed or bullied customers into paying.
In one case, a consumer needed a lock repaired on a mailbox. He alleged the locksmith was very unclear about the pricing but indicated it would be around $300. Once the job was completed, he was given an invoice for over $800.
In another case, a home-owner called Pick & Lock to arrange for new front and back door locks, following renovations. Two locksmiths arrived and spent 10 minutes at the property. She was billed for $500.
Shortly after, the home-owner noticed that the installation was faulty, with the lock on the back door loose, and the keys jamming. She checked her bank statements and had been charged more than $800.
She contacted the locksmith, the company, and her bank, but was unable to get her money back.
Benny urged consumers to be cautious about using Pick & Lock’s services.
If you have had a bad experience with Pick & Lock, contact us through our complaint form, email or by calling 1300 55 81 81.