Three for Thursday 02.04.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
I'm working on a story today that fits nearly every violation of my mantra F-F-F, D-E-A-L. It's called the white van speaker scam. You're approached at a gas station by a guy who wants to unload an expensive home entertainment system. He has a van full and says his boss has given him the greenlight to sell them far below cost. He shows you a work order and a website that seems to substantiate the quality and offers you a 75% discount. You go to the ATM, withdraw $200 to $700, only to find out the speakers and system are worth about $100. You're furious! But then you realize your greed got the better of you. Con artists have a script, and you can't see it. When you have that funny feeling in your stomach that you're taking advantage of someone, watch out, you're about to get burned! See the details in my seven-point lesson at the bottom of today's newsletter.
Watch this Investigation
Wellington Benjamin paid good money for a car; only to find out, it wasn't his! Watch, because This Could Happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Frances, who wants to know, "What do I need to know about air purification systems before I buy one for my home? "
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
White Van Speaker Scam: Tens of thousands of Americans have fallen for the too good to be true scam I described in this week's introduction. The fact is, it is very close to the perfect con job, and here's why:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? They always demand cash!
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. The price quoted for the speakers is far more than their actual value.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. You will never find the independent contractor who sold you the speakers out of a van.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Under the appearance of time pressure, you won't be able to compare the speakers with actual high-fidelity speakers. Instead, they supply you with fraudulent comparisons.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. You can't ensure an ethical negotiation with someone who won't tell you the truth and is planning to rip you off.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. If you had the time to do an internet search of "white van speaker scam, you would never fall for it. The problem is, there are a lot more people unaware of the scam than aware.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Oddly enough, the warehouse where the speakers are stored is usually a legitimately licensed business. Remember, it's not illegal to manufacture a speaker that looks good, it IS illegal for the independent contractor driving the van to show you fraudulent materials claiming the product is worth far more than it really is.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS