TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

How to Protect Yourself from Scammers: A Guide for American Retirees
Scam Prevention

Laura Lovejoy

How to Protect Yourself from Scammers: A Guide for American Retirees

In a shocking revelation, the FBI’s latest report on elder fraud shows that scammers stole an astonishing $3.4 billion from American retirees in 2023.

This Could Happen To You- Rental Car Scam
Automotive Scam Prevention

Laura Lovejoy

This Could Happen To You- Rental Car Scam

In the 1970’s, customer service reigned supreme in the rental car business. Remember Avis? we try harder! But according to Jim Laffiteau, getting any customer service now-a-days is, well, almost impossible.

Ask Dale: Can “Own Well” claims they can reduce my property taxes?
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Laura Lovejoy

Ask Dale: Can “Own Well” claims they can reduce my property taxes?

Today’s question is from Lauren. She tells us — I got an advertisement from a company called own well. They claim they can reduce my property taxes by fighting for a lower assessed value on my home. I’m intrigued, but what’s the catch?

Scam Prevention

Laura Lovejoy

Did you get a recent notice to update your billing information for an account?

Did you get a recent notice that it’s time to update your billing information for prime, Netflix, ESPN all access or Etsy? If you have, delete it because it’s a digital scam!

Three for Thursday 02.29.2024
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 02.29.2024

There’s a real debate raging over the true value of a college degree. Forty years ago, it was undeniable that people who extended their formal education beyond high school earned more money and enjoyed a greater lifestyle than those who didn’t. Today thos

Three for Thursday 02.22.2024
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 02.22.2024

Here’s another edition of “you don’t know what you don’t know.” There has been attention lately on “lunch shaming,” the practice of embarrassing children whose parents have not paid their child’s lunch bill. Here’s why a lot of parents who can, don’t want

Three for Thursday 02.15.2024
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 02.15.2024

I want to tell you about a warranty that works! A couple of years ago, I bought a $350 electric chainsaw at the Home Depot. In a departure from the norm for me, I also paid $55 for a three-year warranty. Recently the battery failed. Like most consumers, I

Ask Dale: Free vacation offer-what's the catch?
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Laura Lovejoy

Ask Dale: Free vacation offer-what's the catch?

Offer for a free vacation if I sign up for something. Is is too good to be true?

Three for Thursday 02.08.2024
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 02.08.2024

Chick-fil-A is not my favorite meal choice, but it is one of my favorite meal destinations, and here is why. I was rounding the drive through one recent evening and caught an old obscure song on my car radio. My window was down, and the young man taking m

Three for Thursday 2.1.2024
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 2.1.2024

I tend to believe good things will stay the same or simply get better. Ok, that’s not a bad world view, but it is a bit pollyannish. Recently, I lost another great friend. His name was Perry.  He lived life to the fullest up to the end, and I believe

Three for Thursday 01.25.2024
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 01.25.2024

What’s wrong with football? If you know me personally, you know I’m a big football fan. So, I have noticed a trend of more people promoting the viewpoint that the game, especially the pro game is rigged. People, (even some I otherwise respect) claim their

Sketchy of the Week: Credit Karma
Scam Prevention

Laura Lovejoy

Sketchy of the Week: Credit Karma

Personal finance company Credit Karma is accused of deceiving the very people it tries to help. Dale explains what you need to do if Credit Karma's deceit took a bite out of your credit score.

Three for Thursday 01.18.2024
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 01.18.2024

When was the last time you were stunned to learn something, you did not expect to learn? It happened for me when I discovered many Americans do not insist on validation before they accept a news report as fact. I realized that my four-year degree in journ

Three for Thursday 01.11.2024
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Three for Thursday 01.11.2024

I recently received a free package of greeting cards from a charity to which I do not regularly contribute. I instantly considered whether I should use them, even though I had no intention of donating. The items are called “donor premiums” and are a time-