Three for Thursday 08.17.2023

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

I was recently asked why seniors are more vulnerable to scams. First, it's availability. Retirees generally have more time on their hands, and their generation considers it rude to not answer your phone and/or door. Second, technology is a younger person's advantage, simply because retirees, having left the workforce, are not required to stay abreast of the latest developments. Third, it's embarrassing to admit you've been taken, and dignity - while always a factor, becomes more important as influence naturally recedes. The key to protection is to have a plan for your beloved senior. Tell them it's no bother for them to ask your opinion on any form of solicitation. Perhaps most important, know the location of all their accounts and check them regularly and together. It can be awkward to correct your senior, but failing to do so can be catastrophic. A great way to protect them? Teach them to follow my three "F's," below.

Watch this Investigation

Today's investigation = Fake Car Rental. This is a perfect example of a senior at risk. Watch because This Could Happen to You!

Ask Dale

Today's Ask Dale question comes from Beverly, who wants to know if the website Annie Cloth is legit. Watch the video for the answer!

Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!

Today's seven-point lesson is on seeing through an attractive but deceptive web-based vendor.

Fast - Do they want your money NOW! Universally a red flag.

Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? It's easy to offer something "too good to be true" if all you must do is show pictures.

Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. Web-based vendors, especially out of state and country, are virtually impossible to hold accountable.

Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. The comps don't work if the vendor is lying.

Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Online offers are too often weighed in the favor of the seller. If you can't risk losing the money don't bite.

Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Gathering these is your best protection against glossy websites.

Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is lawsuit and background checked. Online scammers don't often bother to obtain these safeguards. My advice? If you can buy from a trusted local source, do so!