Three for Thursday 03.31.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
I listened to a podcast that referenced that Caesar Augustus inadvertently ended the period of history when humankind was continually at war. Beginning in around 35 AD, the Roman domination led to people being able to grow food consistently, create goods consistently and expand economies. It struck me last week how precious the last eighty years has been for America (and most of the free world). I fear we have taken for granted our perpetual state of peace and have lost our ability to perceive how quickly it could all slip away. I'm equally amazed that after eighty years, a single individual has the power to end civilization as we know it. Let's continue to support and pray for Ukraine, and while we're at it, pray for our neighbors.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Truck Foul. A rented delivery truck mars your yard and damages your landscape, and the responsible party passes the buck. Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Maxine, who wants to know the status of student loan forgiveness.
Click the video for the answer.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is how to avoid paying too much and regretting it later.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Demand for immediate payment is the most obvious red flag that you're about to overpay.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Getting in for cheap without reading your agreement is a sign you're going to pay through the nose later.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. The fully stocked steak truck that rings your doorbell offering you a 50% discount on a side of beef is full of bull. You won't find him when you learn you've been taken.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. THE best way to pay a fair amount is to see what the market proves is the fair amount.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Explore your written agreement and search out clauses that are unclear and get clarity before you sign.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. National companies that seek to rip you off will often get their hand slapped by the Federal Trade Commission.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. None of these legitimate documents will force the seller to be fair on price.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS