Three for Thursday 10.13.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
I love parrots. A few years ago, I came across the Facebook group page that extols the virtue of parrots. Not only did I discover stuff I didn't know about parrots, but I also got to meet all kinds of people who love parrots as much as I do! Finally, the pet world was turning in my direction. No sooner had I found my happy place when I came across a post about weasels. Somebody had the audacity to claim weasels were the best pets on the planet! How could that be?! My parrot friends posted a statement explaining that the name "weasel" was no coincidence, turns out weasel is the perfect name for an animal that is doing its best to upend the pecking order in the animal pet kingdom. I know they're both in the animal kingdom family, but I'm really comforted knowing there are so many people who recognize the threat these weasel lovers are posing to our perfect parrot order. Can you tell I'm kind of sick of the social media echo chamber? I hope you are too, and by the way; I was just kidding about loving parrots.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Diminished Value Claim: This insurance term is sorely misunderstood, which makes an unsuspecting consumer a target. Watch because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Gloria, who wants to know if she can use land as collateral to obtain a home loan. Click on the video to find out!
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on how to maintain an open mind during negotiation.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Immediate payment should only come with immediate provable satisfaction with the product.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If you are given plenty of time to determine the merits of an offer, it will give you ample time to discover if something is 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. Out of town and out of state vendors can be honest. Be certain to validate their credentials.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. The Russians and Americans made it to the moon with different rockets. Explore the differences between brands and models and determine which is the best fit for you.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Trust but verify. Prudent people move slowly but act fairly and aren't afraid of asking questions.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. References and reviews should always be readily available. If not, something's up.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. One suit? There could be a valid explanation. Three or more in a two-year period? Red flag.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS