Three for Thursday 05.07.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Hi friends! I hope you have had a chance to catch our three day a week feature TrustDALE Gets It Done. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 am, we'll read a real consumer problem that we've received live on Facebook, go to work trying to get a resolution, then let you know how it turned out the same day at 4:15. I want to tip my hat to Marnie, Joe, Morgan and Tim, our investigative team mates that get real results for our community members each and every day. Thanks for being brave and stay well!
Watch this Investigation
Thousands of people have lost money to scams that involved sending money through a Western Union wire transfer. Some victims fell for scammers who pretended to be family members in need of cash or law enforcement officers demanding payment. As a result of federal investigations, Western Union agreed to pay $586 million and admitted to aiding and abetting wire fraud. The Department of Justice is now using that money to provide refunds to people who were tricked into using Western Union to pay scammers - and the woman TrustDALE spoke to is awaiting hers.
Ask Dale
Joan asks: What services provided by a funeral home to a family are subject to being taxed? I have heard anything that goes in the ground is exempt.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on choosing a funeral provider:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Reputable funeral service providers should be very upfront about their fees. Payment is generally required at time of service, though many offer financing.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it is likely too good to be true. There are ways to save on funerals, such as choosing cremation, buying a prepaid funeral or joining a non-profit burial society. However, always get three estimates - even for funerals.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. Funeral homes have offices; monument dealers might not. Do not buy a monument online without verifying the company through my seven-step process.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. I prefer funeral homes that provide pricing on their website. Be wary of services "offered" that might not be required by state law - such as burial vaults.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. It is smart to have pre-selected a non-family member to negotiate your loved-one's funeral after having prepared for the negotiation with family members to determine their wishes.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Carefully screen your funeral provider by reading online reviews. Look for complaint patterns like "hidden fees."
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Most states aggressively regulate funeral homes.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS