A nasty experience with the 118118 Directory Enquiry service needs to be publicised widely to avoid others falling for it, but I regard my costs as foregone.
My daughter was locked out of her house with the keys in her hand. After repeated attempts to release the lock, it was obvious we had to call a locksmith, but who? We rang 118118 and asked to be provided with a number for a local trader. We were given several and rang 2 to determine the earliest appointment time.
Both gave different rates, but the cheaper one could not arrive for a few hours so we booked one after being advised cost would be £65 call out + £55 labour.
Whilst waiting we received a call from the cheaper guy saying he could be there reasonably quickly. He was told we were expecting another company, but said he was coming anyway.
Needless to say, he was the only one to arrive and he immediatley made a phone call to someone with the same name as the expected guy from the dearer company.
Our suspicions were raised but he did the job (approx 1.25 hours of time) and then rung someone to report completion.
We were astonished to be told that we had to pay the guy at the end of the phone by card and that the cost would be £185 - £55 call out + £65 per hour for 2 hours work (no part hours).
A negotiated charge was agreed at £140, but I still have not received the receipt, in spite of promise to send immediately by email.
Never will I use 118118 again as they are apparently paid by national companies to give out their numbers as if they are local. If I could get my £140 back (or have they taken £185 from my card??) I would be extremely happy. If I save someone else the problem, then it was worth complaining.

Steve Smith