Three for Thursday 02.23.2023

Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.

My mind today is on truth and trust circles. As artificial intelligence and profit motive become more prominent, I believe people will become more dependent on identifying people they actually know and trust to be their sounding boards for authenticity. There will also be disinformation circles. People who want to believe something they know is not real (bigfoot) but want to believe it's real because it makes them feel safer. I often wonder what could make TrustDALE obsolete, like cassette tapes became obsolete. However, at the end of the day, I don't think truth and trust will ever become obsolete. Identifying someone who can earn your trust, provide solutions, and then stand behind those solutions, will likely always be in vogue. I greatly appreciate your trust in me.

Watch this Investigation

Today's investigation - Elaine has a wacky $68,000 Water Bill!Watch because This Could Happen to you!

Ask Dale

Today's Ask Dale question comes from Bob, who wants to know if this roof fix is real...

Watch the video to find the answer!

Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!

Today's seven-point lesson is on testing the trustworthiness of a person, product, or service.

Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never pay full price up front to a person who hasn't earned your trust.

Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Unbalanced requests and rewards are either unreal or unfair.

Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. If they can't give you a verifiable office address, ask for and verify a home address.

Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. Sales claims can almost always be verified with these actions.

Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. When something smells, don't proceed.

Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. I call it the court of public opinion. Test it and trust it.

Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. This step alone is not enough to earn your trust.