TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

This Contract Clause Is Costing Consumers Thousands
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

This Contract Clause Is Costing Consumers Thousands

A Georgia woman paid off her lease-to-own furniture early—only to be told she still owed nearly $3,000. Learn how tricky financing contracts trap consumers and how to protect yourself before you sign.

Don’t Let a Payment App Drain Your Wallet
Finance & Tips Safety & Security
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Don’t Let a Payment App Drain Your Wallet

Mobile payment apps like Venmo and Cash App are convenient—but they aren’t insured. Learn how to protect your money from crashes, hacks, or company failures with these smart financial moves.

Unlicensed or Just Unverified? The Truth Behind Business Licensing
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Unlicensed or Just Unverified? The Truth Behind Business Licensing

Concerned about hiring an unlicensed HVAC company? Learn how to verify licenses in Georgia, why it matters, and what steps you can take to protect your home—and your wallet.

The $6 Scam: When “Convenience Fees” Cross the Line
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The $6 Scam: When “Convenience Fees” Cross the Line

A $6 insurance fee sounds harmless—until you're charged another $6 just to pay it. Learn how consumers are being caught in a loop of bogus processing charges and what you can do to avoid falling for this sneaky billing tactic.

Return Denied, Refund Delayed: What to Do When a Company Fights Your Chargeback
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Return Denied, Refund Delayed: What to Do When a Company Fights Your Chargeback

A company ignored your return request—now they want you to cancel your chargeback and pay to ship it back. Here's why you shouldn’t give in, and how to let your credit card company fight for you.

$7,500 for a Car He Didn’t Keep? How a Rental Turned Into a Financial Nightmare
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

$7,500 for a Car He Didn’t Keep? How a Rental Turned Into a Financial Nightmare

A Georgia man was charged $7,500 for a rental car he had already returned. When customer service failed, he fought back—and won. Here’s how persistence (and a little backup) helped him beat a corporate billing disaster.

The Fee Trap: When ‘Great Deals’ Come with Hidden Costs
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Fee Trap: When ‘Great Deals’ Come with Hidden Costs

A Georgia couple exposed hidden dealership fees on a used car—then used state law to fight back. Learn how to protect yourself from deceptive car pricing.

Looks Can Lie: The Rental Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
Finance & Tips Safety & Security
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Looks Can Lie: The Rental Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

Thinking of renting? Don’t ignore negative reviews. Learn how to vet property management companies and protect yourself from hidden fees, poor service, and red flags.

She Was Sold a Dream—Then Left to Fight for Repairs
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

She Was Sold a Dream—Then Left to Fight for Repairs

A new RV should offer peace of mind—not a series of costly breakdowns. Learn how one owner faced a race against time as her warranty neared expiration, and what every RV buyer should do to avoid being left with repairs and no recourse.

Free Trial Trap: What to Do When an App Charges You Without Warning
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Free Trial Trap: What to Do When an App Charges You Without Warning

A $100 surprise after a free trial? Learn how to get a refund, protect yourself from future charges, and fight back when apps auto-bill without warning.

Warranty Woes: How a Georgia Woman Fought Back Against a Denied Car Repair Claim
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Warranty Woes: How a Georgia Woman Fought Back Against a Denied Car Repair Claim

A Georgia woman fought back after her extended warranty denied a major transmission repair. Learn how her recordings made the difference—and what every car owner should know before buying coverage.

Seeing Red: Customers Say My Eyelab’s 'Easy Eye Care' Comes at a Cost
Finance & Tips Healthcare
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Seeing Red: Customers Say My Eyelab’s 'Easy Eye Care' Comes at a Cost

Hundreds of My Eyelab customers say their affordable eye care turned into a nightmare of virtual exams, bad prescriptions, and refund headaches. Here’s what to watch out for before your next eye exam.

TV on a Dime: A Realistic Guide to Cutting the Cord
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

TV on a Dime: A Realistic Guide to Cutting the Cord

Facing a $300 cable bill on a fixed income? Discover smart, affordable alternatives to traditional cable TV, internet, and phone service without sacrificing essentials.

Why Your Bank's Fraud Alert Might Not Protect You
Finance & Tips Safety & Security
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Why Your Bank's Fraud Alert Might Not Protect You

An Alpharetta man lost $3,700 after a fraud alert at the Apple Store — even after doing everything right. Here’s how a bank loophole left him paying the price, and what you can do to protect yourself.