TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

Trapped by a Trend: TikTok Supplement Scheme Targeting Teens
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Trapped by a Trend: TikTok Supplement Scheme Targeting Teens

An Atlanta mom exposes a TikTok-fueled supplement subscription trap targeting teen girls. Learn how to avoid getting stuck in costly recurring charges.

High-End Hype, Low-End Hustle: The New Face of an Old Scam
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

High-End Hype, Low-End Hustle: The New Face of an Old Scam

A parking lot pitch led one shopper to spend $340 on a “high-end” projector that wasn’t what it seemed. Learn how modern scammers are revamping old cons—and how to protect yourself.

The $6 Scam: When “Convenience Fees” Cross the Line
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The $6 Scam: When “Convenience Fees” Cross the Line

A $6 insurance fee sounds harmless—until you're charged another $6 just to pay it. Learn how consumers are being caught in a loop of bogus processing charges and what you can do to avoid falling for this sneaky billing tactic.

The Voice Isn’t Real: How AI Scammers Are Fooling Families
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Voice Isn’t Real: How AI Scammers Are Fooling Families

Scammers are using AI to clone the voices of loved ones, tricking people into sending money. Learn how to spot the signs and protect your family from this alarming new fraud.

The Fee Trap: When ‘Great Deals’ Come with Hidden Costs
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Fee Trap: When ‘Great Deals’ Come with Hidden Costs

A Georgia couple exposed hidden dealership fees on a used car—then used state law to fight back. Learn how to protect yourself from deceptive car pricing.

The Kindness Con: How Fake Charities Exploit Good People
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Kindness Con: How Fake Charities Exploit Good People

Fake charities are targeting kind-hearted people with emotional scams. Learn how to spot the signs, verify organizations, and give safely using trusted tools like Charity Navigator and BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance.

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.

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Three for Thursday is a weekly email and Dale's Do's and Don'ts is a monthly newsletter from Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell. Each week in Three for Thursday you will see a video of one of our investigations, hear Dale answer real consumer questions and learn the steps to becoming a savvy consumer. Each month in Dale's Do's and Don'ts Dale provides information valuable to homeowners.

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