Three for Thursday 09.24.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
I'd like to take the opportunity the next couple of weeks to talk about something very important to me - and I believe to you, community. These are the family, friends and businesses that make our lives fulfilled. This week I'd like you to check out a business called Farmers & Fishermen. It's headed by my friend Kirk Halpern, who's spent his career providing the best meats, fresh fish and specialty items to 125 of Atlanta's best restaurants. In March, Kirk pivoted his firm to deliver that same top quality to Atlanta homes. In my opinion, it's the best home food delivery platform available, because it's fresh, local and Kirk is part of our community. Safety is his top priority, and when you bite in to one of his dishes, you'll thank me! Finally, Kirk is helping keep his community working. Please follow this link below to see his TrustDALE page and learn more!
Watch this Investigation
She just wanted a catio! See what happens when a national brand you'll recognize wouldn't explain why they kept purring her off.
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from a couple of members of my own staff: "Dale, we keep getting emails from what appears to be Netflix, asking us to update our payment info. Should we comply?"
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on: Knowing the difference between a vendor and a broker.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Brokers, or someone who hires another to provide your service, will more likely want to be paid in advance. I would not do it.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. Home service brokers often claim they can get you the best price. Be leery of below market estimates.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Brokers might show up at your door and claim they represent brick and motor companies. Don't take their word for it. Make them prove their affiliations by checking with the source.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee.Brokers should not be paid until after you've reviewed and feel comfortable with the vendor's offer, contract and guarantee.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Brokers claim to be able to shop for the best prices. This can be true in the case of some products, like mortgages. This principle however doesn't change. Always get references, check reviews and don't be rushed by what appears to be a time-limited offer.
Legitimize your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked.Brokers are held to the same rules as vendors. They must have or be operating under a business license. They should have, or be operating under a verifiable certificate of liability, and depending on the value of the product being sold, you should perform a lawsuit search and consider a background check.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS