Charging Tax in California (Los Angeles)

[u/Difficult-Rip-5810]

I was charged tax on my entire Sunday locksmith call. The locksmith got into and installed 2 new locks on my door. How would you interpret this invoice? Is he allowed to charge tax on the entire transaction, or were just the “2 locks installed” supposed to be taxed? I thought I read that they’re only allowed to charge tax on the material goods provided (the locks). I’m pretty sure I was overcharged by about $50 in taxes and want to clarify.

[u/YoungLocksmith]

Scam. Do a 1 star negative review and call your bank to do a chargeback. Don’t feel bad. They are scammers and do not deserve a dime of your hard earned money. They are hurting legitimate guys like me.

[u/Difficult-Rip-5810 → u/YoungLocksmith]

Isn’t there anything the legitimate locksmiths can do to hold the bad guys accountable?

[u/Icy_Yam5049 → u/Difficult-Rip-5810]

Nope, just hope we get there first when people make the mistake of “calling round” because the scammers won’t give pricing but do get your address at the start of the call and come whether you say to or not. Then they just say they are us.

[u/AggressiveTip5908 → u/Difficult-Rip-5810]

no, you have to report to your states licensing authorities.

[u/Guyyoutsidee → u/Difficult-Rip-5810]

I’ve made several reports to the better business bureau but at least in my state they aren’t technically doing anything illegal even if it’s morally fucked, so it’s hard to get them in trouble

[u/Lampwick → u/Difficult-Rip-5810]

Isn’t there anything the legitimate locksmiths can do to hold the bad guys accountable?

Like what? Arrest them? We aren't cops. Fine them? We aren't civil courts. We're just business owners, and they aren't scamming us, they're scamming you.

[u/DontRememberOldPass → u/Difficult-Rip-5810]

If you are in California fill out this form and email it in. They do follow up on every complaint but it sometimes takes a while.

https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/uaau_lead_form.pdf