Three for Thursday 04.29.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Let's talk about consent. I read this morning that Apple is about to make it much harder for apps like Facebook to track your online and geographical movements. You might not care, but there's growing evidence we should. I recently got locked out of an email account, and I was stunned by how much of my personal information (birth date, last four digits of a credit card, etc....) they required, I decided to let it go. Remember the Equifax data breach in May of 2017 - that we did not learn about until September of 2017. It was determined that the Chinese military was behind that, and we, as in the public, still don't know the purpose of that theft and when we'll discover it. I believe one of the biggest risks of living in a free country is that we're too exposed to sinister uses of our data. So, make up a name and create one email address for info requests that don't have to be absolutely accurate. And think about it next time the person at the check out counter asks for your email or phone number. You don't have to share them!
Watch this Investigation
Ever get a call from someone claiming the be with the I R S?Watch because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Felicia, who wants to know how she can get her information updated with the IRS when there's no one answering the phone!
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on determining how much of your personal information is really required.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? People who demand immediate payment have far less reason to need any of your personal information.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? The better-sounding the deal, the more you'll be tempted to give them access to too much!
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Never wire money to a party you don't personally know.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Many organizations collect your personal information for no other reason than to re-sell it. Choose vendors and products that don't unnecessarily demand too much.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. You are not legally obligated to give a company, even a health care provider your ss #. However, they can legally deny you service if you don't.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Organizations that misuse your information are often penalized and their offense can be found on the FTC website.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Many legitimate organizations ask for more than they should.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS