TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

The Hidden Cost of “Help” With IRS Debt
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Marnie Zambri

The Hidden Cost of “Help” With IRS Debt

Some companies promise to help you settle tax debt – for a price. But the truth is, you may be eligible for free help directly from the IRS. Learn how to spot unnecessary offers and protect your wallet.

Sketchy by Design: How Misleading Mailers Trick You Into Buying
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Sketchy by Design: How Misleading Mailers Trick You Into Buying

A window mailer resembling a home inspection form is raising eyebrows. Here’s how it misleads homeowners, what to watch for, and how to avoid falling for deceptive advertising tactics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pop-Up Panic: How Fake Tech Support Scams Trap Georgia Consumers
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Pop-Up Panic: How Fake Tech Support Scams Trap Georgia Consumers

A Georgia resident shares how a fake tech support pop-up led to a $200 scam and recurring charges. Learn how to spot and avoid these common tech support scams.

How to Tell If a Medical Supply Website Is Legit
Healthcare Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

How to Tell If a Medical Supply Website Is Legit

Worried about buying rehab or medical equipment online? Learn how to verify if a medical supply website is legit with a real-life case study and expert-level shopping tips.

Auto Broker Scam: What One Consumer’s Loss Can Teach Us All
Automotive Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Auto Broker Scam: What One Consumer’s Loss Can Teach Us All

A consumer lost $41,000 in a wire transfer scam while trying to buy a car. Here’s how it happened, why it’s common, and what you can do to protect yourself from similar fraud.

The Double Trouble of Facebook Marketplace Scams
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Double Trouble of Facebook Marketplace Scams

A Georgia consumer placed two Facebook orders, both marked “delivered” but never arrived. Here's what this case reveals about social media shopping scams and how to protect your money.

The Roof Payment Trap: What Your Contract May Be Hiding
Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Roof Payment Trap: What Your Contract May Be Hiding

A homeowner paid their roofer the insurance estimate, only to be asked for more later. Here’s how contract language can catch consumers off guard and what to do before you sign.

Scammed by a “Friend”: The Real Danger of Social Media Fraud
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Scammed by a “Friend”: The Real Danger of Social Media Fraud

A Georgia woman is losing thousands to a fake government grant scam on Facebook. Here's how it works, why it's so dangerous, and what you can do to protect loved ones.

When a Charity Pitch Comes Knocking: A Cautionary Tale
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

When a Charity Pitch Comes Knocking: A Cautionary Tale

A Georgia resident paid $100 to a door-to-door magazine salesman claiming to support charity, only to discover it was a likely scam. Here's how to protect yourself from similar frauds.