TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

How to Clear a Fraudulent Account from Your Credit Report
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

How to Clear a Fraudulent Account from Your Credit Report

A Georgia resident’s credit was damaged by a fraudulent DirecTV account. Here’s why companies make you fix their mistakes, and the steps you must take to repair your credit report.

Don’t Sign That iPad Yet: The Consumer’s Guide to Digital Agreements
Finance & Tips Safety & Security
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Don’t Sign That iPad Yet: The Consumer’s Guide to Digital Agreements

Digital contracts are everywhere, but signing without reading can lead to costly mistakes. Here's your guide to protecting yourself before tapping "Agree" on an iPad or screen.

Still Trusting “Pre-Approved”? The Credit Karma Case Is a Cautionary Tale
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Still Trusting “Pre-Approved”? The Credit Karma Case Is a Cautionary Tale

Credit Karma settled with the FTC over deceptive pre-approval claims. Here's what Georgia residents need to know in 2025 about the fallout, your rights, and how to avoid misleading credit offers.

How Much Should You Pay to Learn Airbnb Hosting?
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

How Much Should You Pay to Learn Airbnb Hosting?

Curious about becoming an Airbnb host and considering the BNB Formula course? Here’s what you need to know before spending thousands on promises of easy profits.

The Hidden Fine Print That Could Ruin Your Vacation
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Hidden Fine Print That Could Ruin Your Vacation

Online travel bookings may seem convenient, but the fine print often leaves consumers with little legal recourse when things go wrong. Here's what you need to know before you book.

Misleading Return Policies: How to Fight Back Like a Pro
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Misleading Return Policies: How to Fight Back Like a Pro

Misled by a fake return policy after shopping online? Learn how to fight back using chargebacks, consumer rights tips, and smart shopping strategies that protect your wallet.

Lower Rates, Bigger Risks: Rethinking That 15-Year Mortgage
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Lower Rates, Bigger Risks: Rethinking That 15-Year Mortgage

Considering a 15-year mortgage? Learn how to take advantage of lower rates while protecting your financial flexibility, and discover why a 30-year loan with smart payments might be your best bet.

Cool-Off Confusion: Your Rights After a Purchase Outside the Store
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Cool-Off Confusion: Your Rights After a Purchase Outside the Store

Thinking of canceling a purchase made at a fair or pop-up market? Here's what the FTC's Cooling Off Rule actually covers, and what to do if you're stuck with something you don’t want.

Bought Tech Abroad? What to Know When It Breaks Back Home
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Bought Tech Abroad? What to Know When It Breaks Back Home

What happens when your laptop breaks and the warranty doesn't apply because you bought it abroad? Here's what consumers need to know, including credit card protections that could save the day.

Stranded by SmileDirectClub? Here Are the Options You Still Have
Finance & Tips Healthcare
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Stranded by SmileDirectClub? Here Are the Options You Still Have

SmileDirectClub shut down in 2023, but many customers are still seeking refunds or treatment. Here's what you can still do, even now, to protect your health and finances.

Renters in Georgia: Are You Being Overcharged for Utilities?
Finance & Tips Safety & Security
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Renters in Georgia: Are You Being Overcharged for Utilities?

Georgia renters facing inflated water bills due to broken meters may feel stuck. Learn what rights you have, what steps to take, and how to protect yourself under current tenant laws.

The Right Way to Sell Gold Coins Without Regret
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Right Way to Sell Gold Coins Without Regret

Thinking of selling a gold Krugerrand coin? Here's what to know before shipping it off to a buyer, including how to protect yourself from scams and where to find trustworthy dealers.

Hidden Home Hazards: What Are Sellers Required to Tell You?
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Hidden Home Hazards: What Are Sellers Required to Tell You?

Not all home sellers are legally required to disclose everything. Learn how to protect yourself with smart questions, inspections, and written documentation before buying a property.

Bought a Used Car With Fake Mileage? Here's What You Can Do
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Bought a Used Car With Fake Mileage? Here's What You Can Do

A Georgia car buyer was sold a used Toyota with misleading mileage. Here’s what you can do if you suspect odometer fraud, and how to fight back with the right tools and agencies on your side.

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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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