Three For Thursday
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Hi everyone! A few weeks ago, the TrustDALE Team received an email from Melody. She had parted company with an employer, turned in her gear but weeks had past and the company hadn't mailed her final check. Under the current economic circumstances, she was in big trouble and turned to us for assistance. We contacted her former employer, but immediately mailed her a check equal to her pay so she could take care of her family's immediate needs. Well guess what? A few days ago, Melody returned the check to TrustDALE, explaining her former employer's check arrived the same day. Melody told us returning the check was the "right thing to do." We wrote Melody back and told her we love having her in our TrustDALE community, and by the way - we asked her to please accept our check as a gift for making our day, and we told her to feel free to pass it on to others in need.
Watch this Investigation
Follow the frustrating journey a warranty owner goes on to learn if a torque converter is part of her car's transmission. The consumer recorded her phone calls with the warranty company, (which is not always legal, so check the rules in your state) but... find out what happens when she sends the company the audio.
Ask Dale
Sherry asks: "Should I worry about a new driver's license being mailed to my deceased father's address? Yes, you should Sherry and here's why...
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on confirming it is truly a government agency requiring a payment or your personal information:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Government entities will never call you on the phone demanding payments. or personal information. Never fall for threats. They WILL correspond with you by mail.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. Debt forgiveness or reduction is a tempting offer. Again, true government entities will not call you and offer reductions if you "pay now." Don't fall for this trick over the phone.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Any government entity that requests your personal information or requires a payment will always have a US Postal Service address. Beware of emails that come from odd "url's. Legit government websites contain .gov in the url.
Define - Products, Offers and Prices. Government forms that require your personal information are free. Don't pay for a service offered by a government imposter. Web search the source of the request to see if it is legit.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. Government requirements are published and exposed to public criticism. If you want fair treatment from the government, exercise your rights to assemble, speak out and vote.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Always confirm the request is truly coming from a true government entity.
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. The Federal Trade Commission or your state's Department of Consumer Affairs are great places to legitimize requests or requirements from true government entities.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS