Three for Thursday 10.10.19
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of TrustDALE's purpose: We connect value-seeking consumers with value driven businesses. We also expose bad companies that intentionally harm consumers.
On this Three for Thursday, we're featuring an investigation that brings a couple of obscure realities to light. 1. Police generally don't issue traffic tickets on private property (dui is an exception) and 2. Most people don't recognize the term "subrogation." In today's example it's a fancy word used by a company that wants to avoid responsibility. Check out Alessandra's situation and see how our seven-steps to become a savvy consumer apply below, because this could happen to you!
You can also order my new book "Don't Get Scammed, Get Smart" by clicking this link. https://www.shop.booklogix.com/Dont-Get-Scammed-Get-Smart-21594.htm.
On Saturday October 12th I will be at FoxTale Book Shoppe at 105 East Main Street in Woodstock from 2pm t0 4pm to talk about my book. Join us as I would love to meet you in person!
If you like this content, you can see more at https://www.trustdale.com/media/on-demand
We'd love to hear what you think, write us at info@trustdale.comand thank you for being part of our community!
Dale Cardwell
Watch this Investigation
Alessanadra did what many of us do and used valet parking. But who is responsible if they damage your card?
Ask Dale
Jarissa writes: "Dale, I recently bought a car because I needed one, but I also did it so that making regular payments would improve my credit score. Now I find out the dealership isn't reporting my consistent payment history to the credit bureaus! Is that legal and what can I do about it?
This week's real consumer question stated there are services that will report your payments to the three major credit bureaus. Some are free and some you pay for. Here's a link to help you navigate which service works best for you:
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's lesson on how to be a savvy consumer
Alessandra made the mistake of assuming a valet company would accept responsibility if it damaged her car. Here's what she needed to know before she handed them the keys:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Using a valet is a split-second decision. It will normally cost you no more than a tip, but be warned, if they damage your car, your "fast" decision could come back to haunt you!
Funds - Is the amount of investment far smaller than the promised pay-off? That's a formula for too good to be true!
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. I am NOT a fan of valet parking for this very reason. People assume there is some magic formula in place to protect your car if something happens. Reality check: There's not and therefore I almost never valet park. In Alessandra's situation, the valet company forced her and her insurance company to employ subrogation. That meant Alessandra's insurance had to cover her damage (thereby requiring her to cover the deductible) and attempt to force the valet' company's insurance carrier to pay up. It was "bad form" on the part of the valet company. The valet company owners assumed they wouldn't get exposed for it. Guess what? They were wrong!
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports.
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS