Three for Thursday 06.08.2023

Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.

Here is a warning about getting your tires serviced. I have purchased the last several sets of my family's tires from a well-known national chain. Every time I go in for a complementary rotation, they ask when my wiper blades were last replaced (ok), they tell me how much tread I have remaining (check), but then tell me my lug nuts are "swollen" and need replacing. I checked with two parts stores and a national auto repair outlet I trust, who told me it is something they have never encountered. The replacement set tire store happens to carry runs about $87 for my model, and I am wondering how many customers question this, or more importantly - do not question this.I could be wrong, but I was on hold for 21 minutes waiting for the manager to explain it before getting hung up on. Wondering, has this happened to you?

Watch this Investigation

Today's investigation - Job Scams. Do not share your personal information with someone unexpectedly soliciting you as a potential employee. Watch because This Could to you!

Ask Dale

Today's Ask Dale question comes from Avery, who wants to know his options after discovering his newly purchased used car's odometer reading is incorrect.

Watch the video for the answer!

Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!

Today's seven-point lesson is on accepting or rejecting a recommendation at face value.

Fast - Do they want your money NOW? If it is more $ than you are willing to lose, do not take the risk.

Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Believing you are getting a "too good to be true" deal is usually a precursor to later discovering you have been taken advantage of.

Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. Again, do not pay an amount upfront you are not willing to lose without research.

Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. It is impossible to do this level of research if you are asked to accept at face value.

Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee.This is the best alternative to accepting at face value, and always worth the wait.

Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Again, a crucial step beyond accepting at face value.

Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is lawsuit and background checked. You can't do this if you are accepting at face value.