TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

The Review You Didn’t Write: How Some Companies Rewrite Customer Feedback
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Review You Didn’t Write: How Some Companies Rewrite Customer Feedback

Not all online reviews tell the full story. Some companies edit out complaints to protect their image. Learn how to spot real reviews — and why third-party platforms offer the most honest feedback.

The Crypto Trap: How One Hack Turned a Cell Phone Into a Thief’s Goldmine
Safety & Security Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Crypto Trap: How One Hack Turned a Cell Phone Into a Thief’s Goldmine

SIM jacking is on the rise, and crypto users are prime targets. Learn how hackers can steal your phone number — and your money — plus simple steps to protect yourself before it happens.

Free Mulch or Massive Mess? What You Need to Know About ChipDrop
Exterior & Landscaping Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Free Mulch or Massive Mess? What You Need to Know About ChipDrop

Thinking about using ChipDrop for free mulch delivery? Here's what Atlanta homeowners need to know before signing up — including the big catch that could leave your driveway buried in wood chips.

Free Trial Trap: What to Do When an App Charges You Without Warning
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Free Trial Trap: What to Do When an App Charges You Without Warning

A $100 surprise after a free trial? Learn how to get a refund, protect yourself from future charges, and fight back when apps auto-bill without warning.

This Could Happen To You: Tax Season Social Security Scam
Scam Prevention

Laura Lovejoy

This Could Happen To You: Tax Season Social Security Scam

Scammers target taxpayers by stealing Social Security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds. Protect yourself by enabling 2FA, filing early, and monitoring your IRS account. Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.

Wrecked Twice: The Scam That Hit Her After the Crash
Automotive Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Wrecked Twice: The Scam That Hit Her After the Crash

After a car crash in Georgia, one woman thought the worst was over — until a fake appraiser took her money and disappeared. Learn how diminished value scams work, warning signs to watch for, and how to protect yourself from getting ripped off twice.

Atlanta Senior Outsmarts Shady Contractor — And Wins Big
Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Atlanta Senior Outsmarts Shady Contractor — And Wins Big

Atlanta senior fights back after contractor ghosted her over patio project. Learn how TrustDALE helped her get a full refund — and how to avoid contractor scams yourself.

The HVAC Lease Trap: An AC Nightmare That Exposed a Costly Mistake
Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The HVAC Lease Trap: An AC Nightmare That Exposed a Costly Mistake

Leasing an HVAC system might seem affordable, but Atlanta homeowners are learning it can cost thousands more than buying outright. Learn the risks of HVAC lease agreements and how to protect yourself.

The Parking Meter Scam That’s Emptying Wallets — And How To Outsmart It
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Parking Meter Scam That’s Emptying Wallets — And How To Outsmart It

Before you pay for parking using a QR code, you may want to double-check that the parking company you're paying is real and not a scam.

The Truth About Roof Maxx: Miracle Cure or Marketing Hype?
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Truth About Roof Maxx: Miracle Cure or Marketing Hype?

A TrustDALE follower asked Dale for his opinion about Roof Maxx, a spray that claims to extend the life of your roof. We’ll explain what Roof Maxx does, and why you may still need to call a roofer.

Your Genetic Data Might Be on the Market: 23andMe’s Bankruptcy Red Flags
Safety & Security Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Your Genetic Data Might Be on the Market: 23andMe’s Bankruptcy Red Flags

With 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, consumers who’ve used the DNA service should act fast to protect their genetic data. Here's what you need to know.

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.