Three for Thursday 05.26.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
What gets your attention? It's an important question, because the most precious commodity we can't get more of is time. A few years ago, I noticed that earthworms would crawl onto asphalt or cement in vast numbers in the spring, and roast. A few weeks ago, I stopped and saved twelve worms while on my morning run but recognized I couldn't save the earthworms. A few mornings ago, I saw the most amazing full moon and couldn't stop admiring it. In between those two attention-getting extremes, I sample media experiences that constantly try to provoke me into worry, anger, jealously, or fear; whichever keeps me watching or listening to their content. I'm so glad that my center of gravity allows me to turn off those influences when they become toxic. Can you?
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Vroomed! Carlie McCallum "bought" the online car sales pitch but discovered she should have looked harder. Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Dawn, who wants to know if a process server (a company that offers to serve legal papers for a price) is legit.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is how to determine if you should or could take someone to court.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Getting tricked into paying too much or an entire sum up front is usually not illegal unless you don't receive the product.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Being treated unfairly is viewed differently than being treated in a manner that breaks the law. Don't let emotion lead you astray.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. If you've paid 100 percent in advance and cannot identify the person who took your money and failed to deliver, it's quite likely you won't be able to serve them a summons.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. Measuring the legitimacy of the product will help you get a feel for the reputation of the product maker to deliver.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. This is the most crucial step that if followed, should keep you out of court.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Companies or individuals who deserve to be sued will likely exhibit patterns that can be discovered through reviews and reports.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Checking a company's court history is a good first step.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS