TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

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.

The Truth Behind Those “$65/Hour Movers” Signs
Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Truth Behind Those “$65/Hour Movers” Signs

Don't be fooled by roadside signs that advertise two movers and a truck for $65 an hour. Dale explains who may actually answer the call when you need a mover.

Bad Contractor, Big Regret
Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Bad Contractor, Big Regret

A routine stucco repair turned into a costly disaster for one Atlanta homeowner. Learn how hiring the wrong contractor led to major regrets—and how you can avoid the same fate with help from trusted pros.

Inside the World of Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate: Profit or Predatory Practice?
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Inside the World of Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate: Profit or Predatory Practice?

Real estate investors are targeting Atlanta homeowners in pre-foreclosure with lowball cash offers. Learn how these deals work, why they’re controversial, and how to protect yourself from pressure tactics during a financial crisis.