Three for Thursday 04.01.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
How are we still married? You might ask yourself that from time to time, but my friends Ted and Beth Ishler are laying it out there for all the hear in their new podcast by the same name downloadable here. www.StillMarriedPodcast.com I'm sharing this not only because the show is hilarious, but because we can all find a lot of common ground and even some profound truths. For example, Ted and Beth have moved 35 times over 35 years of marriage! Angie and I have moved only 19 times. I'm also sharing this because Ted and Beth are "foxhole" friends... You know, those people that have been through it all with you and have your back through thick and thin. Here's a link to their show promo: https://vimeo.com/520197655 I'm proud to say the team at TrustDALE has you and your family's back when it comes to Never Risking Your Spend Again! Thank you for being part of our TrustDALE community!
Watch this Investigation
Church texting scheme: You get a message from your spiritual leader asking you to help a fellow member, and it comes with some urgency. Watch, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Jacqueline who wants to know if her sister should be sending gift card codes to a government agency in return for the promise of a grant.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on dealing with an unexpected request or promise of a windfall.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Your willingness to give money in advance should be measured against your familiarity with the person or product.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Lottery wins are very, very rare.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. If the request in made as part of a panic, consult a trusted source before you make an emotional decision.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Unless your investment is minimal, there's no substitute for comparing what you need with what's being offered.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. This is where real and tricky live. Unexpected requests or apparent gains are often paired with urgency. The higher the "ask," the more deliberation you should require.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. People who want a decision without giving you time for this step are suspect.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Get paid quick schemes will likely skip becoming legitimate entities. The higher the "ask," the more important this step becomes.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS