TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

Stolen Refunds: The Scam That Resurfaces Every Spring
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Stolen Refunds: The Scam That Resurfaces Every Spring

Scammers are stealing tax refunds using fake filings and stolen Social Security numbers. Learn how to protect your identity and stop them before they strike.

Atlanta's ATM Fees Are Robbing You Blind
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Atlanta's ATM Fees Are Robbing You Blind

Atlanta has the highest ATM fees in the U.S., costing residents up to $277 a year. Learn why it’s happening, which banks reimburse fees, and how to protect your money.

The Car Loan Catch: How Dealership Financing Could Be Costing You More
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Car Loan Catch: How Dealership Financing Could Be Costing You More

Dealerships often mark up car loan interest rates without telling you. Learn how to avoid hidden financing costs and get the best rate when buying your next vehicle.

Trapped in a Cold War Over a Broken Fridge
Repair & Maintenance Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Trapped in a Cold War Over a Broken Fridge

One Atlanta woman spent six months chasing a fridge repair that never worked... until the right technician spotted the simple fix.

College-Bound and Legally Alone: What Parents Must Know
Finance & Tips Safety & Security
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

College-Bound and Legally Alone: What Parents Must Know

Parents lose legal access to their child’s medical and educational records the moment that child turns 18, even if they’re still on the family insurance. We’ll tell you the legal steps you must take to avoid heartbreaking consequences in a crisis.

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.