TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

Window Nightmare: What to Do When the Company Disappears With Your Money
Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Window Nightmare: What to Do When the Company Disappears With Your Money

You don't have many options if you're waiting on merchandise from a business that filed for bankruptcy. In this article, we explain two ways to get some, or all, of your money back.

Ticket Trap: Dale Got Burned by a Broker—What You Should Know Before You Buy
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Dale Cardwell

Ticket Trap: Dale Got Burned by a Broker—What You Should Know Before You Buy

Have you ever bought tickets from a ticket broker who never delivered? It happened to Dale, whose tickets for a play didn't show up in his inbox as promised. When he tried to get a refund, he ran into the wall of no customer service.

Dirty Ducts or Dirty Deals? What to Ask Before You Pay for Air Vent Cleaning
Cleaning Repair & Maintenance Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Dirty Ducts or Dirty Deals? What to Ask Before You Pay for Air Vent Cleaning

Confused about air duct cleaning costs? Learn what questions to ask, how to spot red flags, and whether your home really needs it. Get expert advice to avoid overpaying and protect your indoor air quality—plus a trusted resource for peace of mind.

The Bahamas Bait: What That “Free Vacation” at the Mall Really Costs You
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Bahamas Bait: What That “Free Vacation” at the Mall Really Costs You

Think twice before entering that mall sweepstakes for a free trip to the Bahamas. In this article, we explain what you’re really signing up for, and how much it could cost you.

Loan Trap: How One Click Cost a Family Years of Debt
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Loan Trap: How One Click Cost a Family Years of Debt

High-interest online loans are a huge risk. One lender, NetCredit, charges interest rates as high as 155%! One of our followers turned to Dale for help after she said NetCredit gave her the run-around.

The $40 Steak Scam: Why Parking Lot Meat Trucks Are Too Good to Be True
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The $40 Steak Scam: Why Parking Lot Meat Trucks Are Too Good to Be True

Everyone loves a deal! But the 20 ribeyes for $40 deal you might see in a parking lot may not be what you hope it is! Dale shows you what $40 really gets you.

Puppy Love or Legal Trap? Inside the Pet Leasing Industry
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Puppy Love or Legal Trap? Inside the Pet Leasing Industry

A Georgia pet store offered lease-to-own puppies, leaving buyers like Brian Drysdale shocked by hidden costs. Discover how confusing contracts turned a $2,500 Shih Tzu into a $6,000 mistake, and how to avoid falling into the same trap.

Cruel Deception: Scammers Are Targeting the Grieving
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Cruel Deception: Scammers Are Targeting the Grieving

Scammers are posing as funeral homes to exploit grieving families, demanding fake payments and threatening to cancel services. Learn how to spot and stop this cruel scam before it strikes.

AI Impostors and Robocall Scams: That “Sheriff” on the Line Isn’t Who You Think
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

AI Impostors and Robocall Scams: That “Sheriff” on the Line Isn’t Who You Think

The Federal Communications Commission promptly banned robocalls using AI-generated voices. However, scammers aren't known for obeying the law. Read on to learn what the scam is, how it works, and tips to protect you from becoming a victim.

“He Died in an Accident”: The Facebook Scam That’s Fooled Thousands
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

“He Died in an Accident”: The Facebook Scam That’s Fooled Thousands

This Facebook scam involves dead people. Specifically, tempting links from friends who claim someone you know has died. Dale's advice will help you avoid this annoying scam.

The $199 Deception: How a Fake Check and a Phony Letter Are Scamming Homeowners
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The $199 Deception: How a Fake Check and a Phony Letter Are Scamming Homeowners

Even an experienced consumer investigator like Dale Cardwell gets sketchy offers in the mail. Read on to find out what he did after receiving a letter claiming that his home warranty is about to expire, along with what appeared to be a check.

Cab Conspiracy: How One Hotel Fueled a Citywide Scam
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Cab Conspiracy: How One Hotel Fueled a Citywide Scam

A fake taxi, a hotel front desk, and a $70 ride with no license plates—how one Atlanta hotel helped fuel a citywide scam targeting unsuspecting travelers. Learn how it happened and how to avoid getting taken for a ride.

How to Outsmart the “Leftover Asphalt” Scam
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

How to Outsmart the “Leftover Asphalt” Scam

In this article we investigate a sketchy asphalt contractor who uses bait and switch tactics to scam unsuspecting customers. We uncover the deceptive practices and tactics used and provide tips on how to avoid falling victim to similar scams.

It Was Delivered, But You Didn’t Pay For It—Now What?
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

It Was Delivered, But You Didn’t Pay For It—Now What?

Everyone loves free stuff, but this free stuff comes with a twist. One of our followers paid for a Lego set, had the order cancelled, but still received the set.