Three for Thursday 08.24.2023

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

Driverless cars will be the norm by 2040. Yes, I am going out on a limb, but when I recently learned Google and Cruise have placed hundreds of driverless cars onto the streets of San Francisco, (the nation's second most densely populated city), I realized the spread, much like Uber, is inevitable. A central pivot will take place when it's statistically proven that far fewer deaths will result from driverless cars than from human controlled cars. That does not mean the arguments will go away.I listened in to a recent public forum in front of San Franciso's decision-makers. Among all the reasoned, fact-based arguments, I heard one person say with much emotion "Cars simply weren't intended to be driven without humans behind the wheel." Baseless pronouncements that waste time like that are why you will rarely find me on Twitter or "X." It has become a platform for non-vetted ideas. I was raised to keep silent until I had something meaningful to say, which meant "know what you're talking about and be ready to defend it with facts." I guess that's the reporter in me. Do you agree or disagree with my prediction? Let me know!

Watch this Investigation

Today's investigation = Fake Renewal. Watch because this could happen to you!

Ask Dale

Today's Ask Dale question comes from Jessica, who wants to know if she has any options with a landlord who will not make timely repairs.

Click the video for the answer.

Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!

Today's seven-point lesson is on debunking new opportunities or miracle inventions.

Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Payment in full for an unproven product is a red flag.

Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? You are "ground floor" buy-in opportunity is more likely a "fools rush in-vitiation."

Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. This is another dangerous precursor of not getting what you expected.

Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Taking your time to verify the product's actual virtues is always a sound move.

Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Vendors who believe in their products have no problem offering these three standards.

Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. New or miracle products often are so "new" they have no reviews. Guess what - red flag.

Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. There are many companies in business to take advantage of you even though they have licenses and insurance. The key here is to examine their lawsuit records.