Three for Thursday 03.11.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Is this real? I get that question all the time. Scammers have become expert at making offers look very much like real or fair offers. Add to the confusion, mainstream companies that have drifted toward techniques designed to trick you in to buying more than you intended. A screaming example is offers that automatically opt you in for future charges without your knowledge or using rebates as a lure only to discover that rebate has been turned over to a third party that makes you work for the rebate that was offered without describing the difficult strings attached. My message to reputable companies? Don't play this game with your clients. You might get the sale but you are planting a seed of distrust that will likely make them a one-time customer. TrustDALE companies don't play those games. Another reason to TrustDALE! (See my advice on knowing real from fake in my seven-point lesson below)
Watch this Investigation
All Kathy Sirko wanted was a screened-in porch to complement her retirement home. Last week, we told you about the con man disguised as a handy man who trolled her at the hardware store. This week, we show you how we nabbed him, and got Kathy's money back. Watch, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Johnny who wants to know if the free credit protection offer from her medical provider is real...
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on determining if an offer is real: (In this case, all seven steps apply)
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Demand for cash up front is a red flag.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If it sounds 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. Determine the location of a real office before you sign or pay.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Always compare products and prices.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. This is where real and tricky live. The more expensive the deal, the more you need trained eyes to review and give you advice.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Fraudulent or misleading offers are often exposed in consumer reviews.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. More and more legitimate companies are slipping into unethical territory by creating offers with hidden strings. That's why I can't emphasize my Ensure step enough!
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS