Three for Thursday 04.02.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Happy Thursday everyone! I hope you'll check out our newest feature, "Ask a TrustDALE Expert," on our Facebook page and YouTube. I interview the owner or manager of a TrustDALE Certified company that's ready, willing and able to provide a service you can get done during this pandemic and ask how they're going about it. And in my "Seven Simple Steps" below, I talk about how to go about making a reservation that you CAN cancel, and what to do when you can't.
Watch this Investigation
Identity Theft - TrustDALE steps in when a bank didn't provide good customer service for a woman who had money stolen from her account. Watch, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
How can I get a refund for my vacation expenses that I had to cancel due to the Corona Virus restrictions?
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on how to avoid losing money on non-cancellable reservations:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never make a cash deposit or pay in full with cash.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. Con-artists are experts at creating fake pictures of beautiful destinations at lower-than-market prices. If the price of the reservation/trip is below market, there's probably a catch.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. A fraudster will do everything in his/her power to avoid meeting you or providing a real address. Always validate the credentials of the offering party.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. Consumers are learning the hard way that most reservation and destination companies have mice type in their agreements that allow them to cancel and keep your money. Therefore, you MUST read the fine print.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. Reputable reservation/destination companies want to not only win your business but retain your repeat business. Negotiate politely in advance for a fair cancellation clause.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. The companies that are keeping people's money due to the Corona Virus crisis are going to get a black eye in social media. Check reviews for stories of unfair cancellation terms before scheduling your next trip.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS