TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

Tropical Trap: The Dark Side of Duty-Free Glamour
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Tropical Trap: The Dark Side of Duty-Free Glamour

A free facial and a glass of champagne turned into a $4,000 regret for one vacationing couple. Here's how to avoid getting duped by high-pressure sales tactics in tourist hotspots.

Mortgage Muddle: How to Tell If That Debt Collector Is Real
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Mortgage Muddle: How to Tell If That Debt Collector Is Real

If a debt collector contacts you after your mortgage is sold, don't panic. But don’t pay blindly either. Here's how to verify who really owns your debt and protect yourself from scams.

The $2,000 Vacuum Pitch: What You’re Really Paying For
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The $2,000 Vacuum Pitch: What You’re Really Paying For

A door-to-door salesman offers a $2,000 Kirby vacuum. Here's what you're really paying for and how to protect your wallet from overpriced pitches.

Closet Con: The Red Flags That Make Annie Cloth a Risky Buy
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Closet Con: The Red Flags That Make Annie Cloth a Risky Buy

Annie Cloth looks trendy, but behind the scenes it raises major red flags. Here's what consumers need to know before clicking “add to cart.”

The Deposit Trap: Why “LeaseLock” Could Cost You More Than You Think
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Deposit Trap: Why “LeaseLock” Could Cost You More Than You Think

Before agreeing to pay your security deposit in monthly installments, find out whether it’s refundable or if you’re throwing money away.

The Timeshare Trap: How to Help Your Parents Dodge a Costly Mistake
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Timeshare Trap: How to Help Your Parents Dodge a Costly Mistake

Before your parents buy a timeshare in Florida, read this. Learn how to spot red flags, avoid pressure tactics, and protect their money.

The Price of “Free”: What Home Show Streaming Gadgets Aren’t Telling You
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Price of “Free”: What Home Show Streaming Gadgets Aren’t Telling You

A $400 streaming device promising free Netflix and cable sounds tempting, but it's likely illegal, insecure, and could expose you to hackers. Here’s what every savvy consumer should know.

The Student Loan Help Hustle: Why You Should Think Twice
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Student Loan Help Hustle: Why You Should Think Twice

Student loan assistance shouldn’t cost a dime, but some companies want you to pay anyway. Learn how to avoid the hustle and get real help for free.

Still Paying After Saying Goodbye: The Auto-Bill That Wouldn’t Die
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Still Paying After Saying Goodbye: The Auto-Bill That Wouldn’t Die

A Georgia senior was charged for a canceled phone line for nearly a year. Learn how to spot and stop silent auto-pay traps before they drain your wallet.

The Credit Score Shortcut That Might Not Go the Distance
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Credit Score Shortcut That Might Not Go the Distance

Experian Boost can help improve your credit score, but it's not a silver bullet. Learn how it works and what strategies actually move the needle.

From Dream to Deception: The Dark Side of Rent-to-Own Real Estate
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

From Dream to Deception: The Dark Side of Rent-to-Own Real Estate

Rent-to-own homes promise a path to ownership, but many deals end in scams. Learn how to spot the deception and protect your dream of buying a home.

Too Good to Be True: The Subtle Psychology Behind Pyramid Scams
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Too Good to Be True: The Subtle Psychology Behind Pyramid Scams

Ujamaa and similar “friends and family” pyramid schemes prey on emotional vulnerability. Learn the psychological tactics behind these scams and how to protect yourself and your relationships.

Boxed In: What It Means When a Business Only Has a P.O. Box
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Boxed In: What It Means When a Business Only Has a P.O. Box

A business without a physical address might not be breaking the law, but that doesn’t mean you should trust them. Here’s what it really means when a company only lists a P.O. Box.

Botched at the Front Door: When Paying Upfront Costs You Big
Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Botched at the Front Door: When Paying Upfront Costs You Big

A homeowner’s dream door restoration turns into a nightmare, exposing the dangers of paying 100% upfront. Learn how to protect yourself before hiring contractors.