TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

How to Book Adventure Travel the Safe Way
Safety & Security Scam Prevention

Dale Cardwell

How to Book Adventure Travel the Safe Way

Adventure travel can be thrilling—but unsafe operators can put you at risk. I share questions, warning signs, and booking checks to protect your trip.

Are Social Media Ads Vetted? How to Check Before You Buy
Safety & Security Scam Prevention

Dale Cardwell

Are Social Media Ads Vetted? How to Check Before You Buy

Are social media ads vetted? The FTC is warning consumers of the need to verify advertisers, spot scams, protect payments, and choose safer home service providers.

Deep Cleaning: The Dirty Little Secrets About Gimmicks and Surprise Charges
Cleaning Scam Prevention Home Services

Marnie Zambri

Deep Cleaning: The Dirty Little Secrets About Gimmicks and Surprise Charges

Deep cleaning goes beyond a fresh scent. Learn how to compare methods, spot hidden fees, verify technicians and get carpet services in writing.

Struggling With Tax Debt? Scammers Want to Take Advantage of Your Stress
Finance & Tips Safety & Security Scam Prevention

Dale Cardwell

Struggling With Tax Debt? Scammers Want to Take Advantage of Your Stress

Tax debt scams use fear and urgency to steal money or information. Learn how to verify IRS claims, spot fake relief offers, and respond safely.

Missing Jury Duty Scam: Ignore Arrest Threats and Verify First
Safety & Security Scam Prevention

John Stenard

Missing Jury Duty Scam: Ignore Arrest Threats and Verify First

Jury duty scam? Don't pay, share personal information, or click links. Verify through official court channels, save evidence, and report threats to the FTC.

Siding Shortcuts That Cost Consumers
Repair & Maintenance Exterior & Landscaping Safety & Security Scam Prevention Home Services

Dale Cardwell

Siding Shortcuts That Cost Consumers

Siding replacement mistakes can result in damage and costly repairs. The right installer and the right materials for your climate make all the difference.

Chimney Scams and Fireplace Hazards to Watch For
Repair & Maintenance Safety & Security Scam Prevention Home Services

Dale Cardwell

Chimney Scams and Fireplace Hazards to Watch For

Chimney inspections can reveal gas leaks, creosote, and water damage; photos and written estimates help separate needed repairs from sales pressure.

Rental Scam Warning: The Case of the Dodgy Deposit
Safety & Security Scam Prevention

Marnie Zambri

Rental Scam Warning: The Case of the Dodgy Deposit

An Atlanta rental scam cost Corey Mayville $800 in Bitcoin. His case shows why Home Service Companies and Commercial Service Companies need vetting, like we do at TrustDALE.

Home Automation: Buying Smarter
Scam Prevention Home Services

Dale Cardwell

Home Automation: Buying Smarter

Today's connected homes offer incredible convenience. But they also create new opportunities for confusing contracts, unnecessary upgrades, hidden fees, and tech that's oversold or poorly installed.

How to Research Health Insurance Safely Online
Finance & Tips Healthcare Safety & Security Scam Prevention

Dale Cardwell

How to Research Health Insurance Safely Online

Shopping for health insurance? Learn to spot legitimate security checks, compare plan costs, protect your information, and avoid suspicious offers.

Blueprint for Disaster: Contractor Cons that Cost Homeowners Big Bucks
Repair & Maintenance Safety & Security Scam Prevention Verified Businesses Home Services

Dale Cardwell

Blueprint for Disaster: Contractor Cons that Cost Homeowners Big Bucks

From unfinished projects and disappearing deposits to sloppy workmanship and broken promises, contractor scams can drain homeowners’ bank accounts and leave renovation dreams in ruins.

Roof Roulette: How Storm Chasers Target Homeowners
Repair & Maintenance Exterior & Landscaping Safety & Security Scam Prevention Verified Businesses Home Services

Dale Cardwell

Roof Roulette: How Storm Chasers Target Homeowners

It's one of the oldest scams to follow severe weather: storm-chasing roofers, who swoop in after a storm promising fast repairs, "free" roofs, and deals that sound too good to pass up.

Data Invasion: How Data Centers Affect Your Bills
Safety & Security Scam Prevention

Ki Corley

Data Invasion: How Data Centers Affect Your Bills

Data Centers use up enormous amounts of resources, but how do they impact the neighborhoods nearby?

Is That Inheritance Letter a Scam?
Safety & Security Scam Prevention

Dale Cardwell

Is That Inheritance Letter a Scam?

The FTC is warning consumers to be wary about letters telling them of an inheritance. It's a scam that counts on grief to cloud your judgment.

Click the link below to download the latest edition of TrustDALE Home Magazine.

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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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