Three for Thursday 04.16.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
I continue to be impressed with our collective response to Covid 19. I believe we all know health care heroes who are performing under stressful circumstances and we are grateful for you. I also want to say thank you to the essential service providers on TrustDALE who are stepping up and providing safe and sound service to our community. Thank you all for all you do!
Watch this Investigation
It appeared innocent enough. A man overheard Kathy Sirko asking a customer service rep about the steps in building a screened in porch and offered to do the job. Kathy found out the hard way he was a con artist lying in wait. Watch our investigation, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
From Chad: We moved into a dump and now the landlord is ignoring our requests to make it livable. What can we do?
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on finding and leasing a place to live:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never pay money in advance to a broker or property owner without thoroughly vetting their track record as a landlord.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. Below market rent is often a red flag. The owner is discounting for a problem you'll find later, or chances are the person leasing you the property doesn't own it and has no legal right to do so!
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. I've actually done stories on fake owners who collect rent in advance for residences they don't own. Make certain the owner/broker Is real!
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. Houses and apartments are like cars... It's easy to overlook problems because you become emotionally attached to the property. Review market comps to make certain the price and terms are fair. You can accomplish this by visiting and considering several properties in the same area.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. First month's rent in advance along with a security deposit is standard. It's very important to check references from a landlord - multiple unit owners and single-family homes. People who don't get their security deposits returned will likely complain online.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. It's tempting to rent a property based on appearance. If you want to avoid weeks or months of regret, follow this step before you sign.
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Someone offering you a "cash" rental has something to hide. It's better safe than sorry to rent only from legitimate parties.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS