Three for Thursday 10.01.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Hi everyone! Here's part two of my thoughts on community. Some communities are free, and others require payment. Some, like Homeowner's Associations come with the latent realization you really didn't want to be in that community because of its rules. Think about social media. It appears to be free, but eventually you realize you are participating in an alternative reality that often makes you uncomfortable more than happy. Our team built the TrustDALE community as a FREE destination where you can feel loved, valued and safe. In today's seven-point lesson I talk about Sea Monkeys! Don't miss it!
Watch this Investigation
Sharon paid $16,000 to have moisture removed from her basement. So... why is there still moisture in her basement? Watch, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Ron: "Dale, my car has been in the shop for body repairs for five months! My insurance company doesn't want to pay the full cost of repairs. What can I do?"
Hint: Hire a licensed Public Adjuster to help you. Google the term and follow this link to make certain they're licensed: https://oci.georgia.gov/agent-search
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on: Not buying Sea Monkeys! (Explanation: When I was a kid I wanted to buy sea monkeys featured in the back of comic books. I did, and well, learned an important lesson. Today you see bait ads on social media featuring products that seem amazing. (A current fad is human-like Halloween masks). Should you bite? Here's my advice:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Many products on social media employ emotional buying tactics. Make certain you can live with the disappointment - if it is not what you expected.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. Products featured on social media often look to be a much higher quality than reality. You get what you pay for!
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Online sellers are often headquartered in states that have very soft consumer protection laws.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee.Online sellers appear to have return policies, but when you try to exercise it, you'll most likely discover your guarantee or return policy is riddled with exclusions or complicated procedures.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Google the name of the product along with the word "reviews" before you purchase. You'll more often than not find the product is not reviewed well.
Legitimize your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Home vendors should all meet these standards. Products mailed to your home are often manufactured off-shore, so take that into consideration - because getting a refund or replacement will likely be difficult.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS