Three for Thursday 03.17.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Empathy without action is just pity. Those words struck a chord with me as a local pastor suggested his congregation do more than offer up prayers for Ukraine, and the Russians who are being coerced to be there. Like me, you might have felt reluctant to get involved with a charity, simply because you didn't know who to trust. The pastor's words motivated me to do my homework, get over my fear of not picking the perfect cause, and just do it. I'm writing this because it's heavy on my heart. If you don't know who to trust, Charitynavigator.org is a wonderful place to vet a charity. Here's a link to Hope for Ukraine, which scores a ninety out of one hundred in terms of effectiveness. Remember, empathy without action is just pity. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/811401967
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Straight talk. What do you do when your cancelled service provider continues to charge you? Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Jeff, who wants to know why he has to pay a convenience fee for a very inconvenient responsibility.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is how to judge the worthiness of a charity or not-for-profit.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? An immediate request for cash, without allowing you time to evaluate, should never result in a contribution.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Expensive gifts in exchange for your contribution should prompt your investigation of the appropriate use of your funds.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. It is a must that your charity be listed with your Secretary of State's office.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. You should be able to thoroughly evaluate the performance of a charity at Charitynavigator.org, or Candid.org.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Any resistance to total transparency should be a warning sign something isn't right.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Carefully evaluate reviews before you contribute.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. The charity MUST be registered with your Secretary of State.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS