Three for Thursday 09.07.2022

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

When would you want to know something, you didn't know that could have a big impact on you or someone you love? Yesterday, right? Aside from connecting value-seeking consumers with value-driven companies, TrustDALE also solves seemingly unsolvable consumer problems. In fact, since 2019 (when we paused to add it up), we have recovered 1.3 million (yes, million) dollars' worth of cash, goods and services for consumers who thought they'd lost it forever. And you know the dirty secret that came with it? We found that women, especially single women are disproportionately targeted by con artists. The reasons are obvious: They often lack support systems, they too often believe an offer that's too good to be true, and the scammers know their victims have little or no recourse through law enforcement or the courts. This is a significant reason why TrustDALE is so committed to proactive protection. If you've experienced that peace of mind, please share it with others, especially women you know who haven't.

Watch this Investigation

Today's investigation = Daniel's Dealership Repair. Watch because this (really) could happen to you!

Ask Dale

Today's Ask Dale question comes from Larry, who wants to know if a wholesale medical equipment website is legit. Click the video for the answer.

Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!

Today's seven-point lesson is on avoiding a scam in the making.

Fast - Do they want your money NOW? There's an old saying "possession is 9/10's of the law. When it comes to paying in advance, you could say possession is 10/10's of the law.

Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Believing you can get an illogical payoff is key to a successful scam. When you recognize this, don't move forward!

Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. It's imperative to confirm valid location before you deliver funds, and don't rely on Google Earth!

Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Knowing what the competition would charge is an irreplaceable safeguard.

Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Being treated fairly in these three areas almost always eliminates the risk of being scammed.

Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. This is the icing on the cake in avoiding scams. The lack of reviews is a huge red flag.

Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Companies with lawsuit histories often change their names. Be suspect if the company is less than five years old, has no reviews and has a clean lawsuit history.