Three for Thursday 02.11.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
When I was a kid, I got in a fuss with my mother about tennis shoes, only I called them "tenn-ee shoes" and she corrected me. Of course, every 10-year-old kid I knew called them tenn-ee shoes because we didn't connect them to the game of tennis. Imagine how silly I felt when she showed me the facts. My point is, people make statements based on fact, on conviction or pose as a question. Conflict occurs when people state their conviction as fact without proper verification. The marketplace is full of people who try to fool you with powerful stories laced in conviction that without your verification, can end up ripping you off. I call these people "opinion bullies," because they cannot abide your right of skepticism. Next time someone forces you into a corner with an unproven belief or product, stand your ground. It's your right.
Watch this Investigation
Hot Hold Part Two. Even in the face of indisputable proof - this car dealership placed pride over doing the right thing for their customer. Watch, because This Could Happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Joel "How can I file my taxes for free?"
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on finding that a contractor has placed a lien on your home: Ms. Young was preparing to sell her home and found that the concrete supplier to her driveway contractor had placed a lien on HER home when the contractor failed to pay for the concrete. Is that ok?
I have a lien on my home!
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Contractors in a rush to get paid may be in financial trouble and more apt to leave suppliers or subs unpaid.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely 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. Guess who you cannot find to resolve the problem? The company you originally hired and paid.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. It is so important to make a lien release part of your final payment to your general contractor. If you don't have a lien release, unpaid sub-contractors can and will hold you accountable.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Consumers who get "liened" will complain about it online. Check for those complaints!
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Again, ask your General Contractor about his "subs" and if he/she has confidence in their financial stability and ability to deliver.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS