Three for Thursday 09.22.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
I'm curious. Are you the type that returns your shopping cart to the corral or do you leave it in the parking lane? I'm asking, because I noticed a lot of carts left on the curbs the other day at Costco; more than I'd ever seen. Not a big deal? Maybe not, but our willingness to follow an unspoken kindness protocol has always been present in my lifetime. Very early in my life, prompted by the "Tennessee Trash" campaign, I decided I would never litter again, and I don't. No one knows it, but I simply refuse to litter, and a lot of people chose that path as well. General kindness is a hallmark of America and I hope to goodness we're not losing it. I also hope we're not losing our ability to choose better solutions. The roundabout intersection is the suitcase swivel wheel of the 21st century. Why did someone not think of this far more efficient solution sooner? My hat is off to that inventor, and I hope you view TrustDALE the same way. Why take a chance when you never have to risk your spend again?!
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Bank Repo. What happens when your auto draft payment doesn't work, and they repossess your car? Watch because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Tom, who asks, "does paying for credit repair really work?"
Click the video to the left to find out!
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on how to deal with a company that's clearly done the wrong thing.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Payment in full, up front, for anything you feel uncomfortable about, is the number one sign you're entering an unfair arrangement.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If you've "bit" on a deal that was too good to be true, you're going to have a challenging time getting the company to equalize the deal.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. You'll never see the salesperson again, but the company is legit? Be patient and be persistent. They likely will eventually do the right thing. If not, resort to social media.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. If you've done your homework, the seller should eventually do the right thing. Again, be patient, persistent and polite.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. This is how you ensure fair treatment in advance of something going wrong.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Companies that consistently take advantage of customers get exposed in reviews. Don't fail to look at reviews!
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. If these safeguards are in place, you reduce the risk of getting burned 75%.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS