News & Consumer Advice

Top Stories

Spring Cleaning Your Home’s Exterior: A Complete Guide for a Fresh Start
Refresh your home's exterior this spring with a deep clean! Tackle dirt, grime, and clogged gutters with expert help. TrustDALE Certified Professionals provide top-rated gutter cleaning, window cleaning, and pressure washing for your home. Visit Trus
Received a Sketchy Parking Ticket? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Pay
Atlanta drivers are being targeted by fake parking ticket scams from shady private companies. Learn how to spot a bogus citation, protect your credit, and fight back against deceptive practices before you pay.
Power-Saving Devices: Why These Electricity-Saving Gimmicks Don’t Work
Many plug-in devices claim to cut your electric bill, but most are nothing more than clever scams. Learn why these energy-saving gadgets don’t work, what red flags to watch for, and how to actually reduce your power bill with proven strategies.
Imposter Cleaners: How One Atlanta Woman Uncovered a Bait-and-Switch Scam
Did you know there are dishonest companies in the Atlanta area pretending to work with big name reputable companies ? See what happens when Dale catches a disputable carpet cleaner pretending to be a contractor for Stanley Steemer.
Amazon Sent Her Packages to 7 Wrong Addresses—Here’s What Finally Fixed It
Sometimes, the things we order online never make it to our home. It happens. But it shouldn't happen SEVEN TIMES in a row! Here's how TrustDALE helped a woman fed up with Amazon's delivery mistakes.
Inside the World of Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate: Profit or Predatory Practice?
Real estate investors are targeting Atlanta homeowners in pre-foreclosure with lowball cash offers. Learn how these deals work, why they’re controversial, and how to protect yourself from pressure tactics during a financial crisis.
Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Retirement
Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Retirement
Published March 26th, 2025
Dale reveals the shocking tactics scammers use to steal Social Security money from unsuspecting retirees. From impersonating government officials to threatening legal action, scammers stop at nothing to deceive and defraud vulnerable individuals.
Atlanta Electrician Took $780 for a Dangerous Fix—and Disappeared
Here's a lesson about what can happen when you hire someone who claims they can quickly do the job. Barbara Manson turned to TrustDALE for help after the electrician she hired "fixed" her garage door and caused an even bigger problem.
When Your New Home Betrays You
When Your New Home Betrays You
Published March 26th, 2025
Wouldn't you be upset if your home creaked with every step? Here's how the TrustDALE team helped Emma with her dilemma.
Stranded and Scammed: Elderly Couple Duped by Tow Truck Driver
When an elderly couple calls their auto insurance provider to get their car towed, the tow company's technician offers to fix it himself, but never completes the job.
Think That Walmart Gift Is Real? Think Again
Walmart shoppers are being targeted by fake Spark gift card scams. Learn how to spot the warning signs, avoid falling victim, and protect your personal information from cybercriminals.
When Online Orders Go Wrong—Really Wrong
When Online Orders Go Wrong—Really Wrong
Published March 25th, 2025
Ever afraid to take on a big company like Sears? Read how consumer investigator Dale Cardwell and TrustDALE took on Sears' customer service to get consumers what they ordered.
The Hidden Dangers of Hoarding—and the Right Way to Help
A hoarder's home can be dangerous, housing health and safety hazards that need to be resolved. TrustDALE certified Georgia Clean helps homeowners clean their homes with care and empathy.
EZY Plugin App: Scam or Safe?
EZY Plugin App: Scam or Safe?
Published March 25th, 2025
EZY Plugin is not just any website - it poses a threat that you need to be aware of. Join Dale as he uncovers the dangers associated with EZY Plugin and why you should steer clear of it at all costs.
Drowning in Junk Mail? Here’s How to Cut It Off at the Source
Junk mail floods millions of mailboxes every day, and many people are fed up. Luckily, TrustDALE has tips for you to slow, or even stop, junk mail from being delivered -- once and for all.
Don't Get Scammed: Get Smart!
dales-book
SCAMMERS BEWARE: Seasoned consumer investigator Dale Cardwell gives readers a game plan to avoid rip-offs.