Three For Thursday 03.19.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
I must say I am very impressed to see our community is responding - for the most part - rationally and calmly to our current health predicament. To help relieve your cabin fever, TrustDALE is launching a positive social media story called "Dale Gets it Done!" Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays we will be taking on someone's real consumer problem and (hopefully) solving it the same day! Visit TrustDALE on Facebook and Twitter to see some crazy situations!
Watch this Investigation
When a new homeowner had noisy floors, she needed TrustDALE to be her squeaky wheel to get things fixed. Watch, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question: Dale, what are some common-sense thoughts on what to do and not to do in the current economic environment?
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on considering and executing rare or emergency-driven purchases:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? People can make really bad financial decisions during a crisis. Before spending money - promise yourself a predetermined amount of time to think it over.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. People will make you incredible deals on products you don't need. Remember that.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. It's never more important to confirm credentials than purchasing during a crisis.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. Remember, three quotes!
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. Read the proposed agreement. Ask questions. Don't sign if you don't understand.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. A crisis doesn't excuse following this rule.
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Fly-by-night contractors hoping to make money in a panic-stricken environment will almost never have a business license, liability insurance and a clean background. Thoroughly review each before spending your money.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS