Three for Thursday 03.12.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Hi friends! I'm not an expert on health matters, but I've had a lot of experience exposing scams and getting to the bottom of whether someone's telling me the truth or taking me for a ride. I want to strongly advise you to consider the source when someone shares information about Covid-19. If the information is unsettling, be sure to confirm it with two independent sources before sharing it with others. If someone wants to buy something or contribute to a fund, follow my advice on checking it out with my seven-point process.
Watch this Investigation
RV Robbery Update: Two RV repairmen are seen on surveillance video snooping around, but are they thieves? We've been following this story and now the accused have appeared in court. Consumer investigator Dale Cardwell seeks answers, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Quiana wrote us with this question: "Dale, I need several projects performed at my home. How do I know if I need to hire a general contractor? We all ask this question at one time or another, so here's the answer.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on hiring someone sight unseen for a home project you can't attend:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never pay any money in advance for a small service to be performed at your home. You need to inspect the result before you pay.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. People you've never met will often float an offer too good to be true. This is particularly true with thieves who mascaraed as carpet cleaners. They could be there to case your home for a burglary to happen later! Only hire reputable home service providers.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. It's ok to hire someone to perform a service if you're not there, but you MUST do your homework to make certain the company has a permanent-findable office. It's too easy for someone you've never seen to disappear with your money after failing to do the job right.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. Always
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. Always
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Always.
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. This step is never more important than when you won't be on site for the work to be performed. And make certain the company doesn't just background check, but background declines.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS