TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

Powerless and Ignored: How One AT&T Installation Left a Family in the Dark
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Powerless and Ignored: How One AT&T Installation Left a Family in the Dark

An Atlanta mother lost power during an AT&T internet installation—and was left to deal with a dangerous repair alone. Here's how it happened, and how to protect yourself.

Walker Stalker: The Rise, Fall, and Lingering Fallout of a Fan Empire
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Walker Stalker: The Rise, Fall, and Lingering Fallout of a Fan Empire

Explore the rise and fall of Walker Stalker Con, a once-thriving fan convention empire that left many The Walking Dead enthusiasts seeking refunds and answers.

The Mailbox Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands
Finance & Tips Safety & Security
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Mailbox Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands

Outdoor USPS drop boxes are no longer safe for sending checks or important documents. Learn how rising mail theft and check washing scams work and the steps you can take to protect your money.

The True Cost of Fast Cash: Why Payday Loans Can Wreck Your Wallet
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The True Cost of Fast Cash: Why Payday Loans Can Wreck Your Wallet

Payday loans may seem like a quick fix, but they come with sky-high interest rates and hidden risks. Learn why they’re rarely worth it and what safer alternatives exist.

When the Air Turns Toxic: A Tenant’s Fight Against Unlivable Conditions
Finance & Tips Safety & Security
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

When the Air Turns Toxic: A Tenant’s Fight Against Unlivable Conditions

An Atlanta tenant battles falling debris from her vents—and a management team that tried to evict her when she spoke up. Here’s what renters in Georgia need to know.

Porch Dreams, Contractor Nightmares: One Woman’s Fight for Justice
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Porch Dreams, Contractor Nightmares: One Woman’s Fight for Justice

A Georgia woman lost over $8,000 to a fake porch contractor she met at a hardware store. Here’s how she fought back—and how you can protect yourself.

Smart Strategies to Avoid Unexpected Repair Bills
Repair & Maintenance Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Smart Strategies to Avoid Unexpected Repair Bills

A routine dealership visit turned into a $2,000 repair bill. Learn how to protect yourself from surprise charges and ensure you're only paying for the services your car actually needs.

Why Paying in Cash Can Cost You More
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Why Paying in Cash Can Cost You More

Some companies charge extra just because you pay your bill in person or with cash. Learn why these fees exist, who they impact most, and how to avoid them with simple, low-cost alternatives like prepaid debit cards.

Behind the Breakdown: What Appliance Companies Aren’t Telling You
Repair & Maintenance Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Behind the Breakdown: What Appliance Companies Aren’t Telling You

One homeowner’s refrigerator repair spiraled into a months-long mess. Discover what went wrong—and how to protect yourself from warranty traps.

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.

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Three for Thursday is a weekly email and Dale's Do's and Don'ts is a monthly newsletter from Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell. Each week in Three for Thursday you will see a video of one of our investigations, hear Dale answer real consumer questions and learn the steps to becoming a savvy consumer. Each month in Dale's Do's and Don'ts Dale provides information valuable to homeowners.

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