Three for Thursday 01.27.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
I had a somewhat unique upbringing, in that I have two hometowns: Concord, Alabama and Centertown, Kentucky. I moved to Centertown when I was 13, and consider my childhood somewhat split in half. I had the opportunity to visit Centertown last week and re-connect with my roots. I spent time with family and friends and had the privilege to worship with a small-town congregation. It made me think of the Miranda Lambert song, "The House that Built Me." I was built, foremost by two loving parents who taught me to honor God and love others. I am reminded that the ninety percent of what binds us as a people is far more important than the ten percent the media is using to divide us. Thank you again for being part of the TrustDALE community and allowing me to be part of yours as well.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Grave Granite. When is perpetual care, not perpetual? Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Steve, who wants advice on how to sell cemetery plots.
Click the video for the answer.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is considering whether to take credit repair offers:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Demand for large payment in advance of service is a red flag.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Promises to dismiss half of your debt or more are normally too good to be true.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. I always feel more comfortable with a financial service when I know they have a real office and a long-time presence. Internet based credit fixing services do not have my confidence.
Define - Your deal by Product, Offer and Price. I have yet to find a credit repair service that charges you a fee to be worth the price, regardless of how they compare to competitors, UNLESS the competitors are not for profit and free to the consumer.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. You can negotiate your own credit repair if you're willing to commit to consistent payments and follow through.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Be skeptical of companies that have few reviews and have only been in business three years or less. Credit repair companies are known to change names and pitches. Also check for any warnings or public orders from the Federal Trade Commission.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. A business license is a must.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS