Three for Thursday 11.17.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
I'm getting sued. At least that's what the caller claimed in the voice mail. Seems our investigative team busted a woman who took money from people in advance of cutting down their trees. The problem, for dozens of those customers, was she didn't complete the job or never showed up to even start. Thanks in part to delays caused by covid, she's been out on bail awaiting trial on five charges related to her alleged theft - for three years. According to the caller, she's found an attorney who will sue me for harming her company! I suppose it comes with the territory. I recently read an article where an armed robber was sentenced to six life sentences for a string of robberies, and to really rub it in, the judge banned him from visiting Outback steakhouses for life as well. My point is, "the thin blue line" I wrote about a few weeks ago (the margin between our sense of protection and anarchy),seems to be shrinking. In the meantime, I'll keep you posted on my suit!
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation = Santa Scam, part two. Looks can be deceiving, especially when dressed in a Santa suit! Watch, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Elaine, who wants to know if the price displayed for a product on the shelf must be honored. Watch and find out!
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on how to avoid wasteful emotional spending.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? The more pressure you feel to give, the greater the risk it's not merited.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Without proof of "program services," which is an industry term for evidence of benefit, your gift could be wasted on solicitors.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. A legitimate organization will provide literature and a transparent path to review its promised benefit.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. New products or services you don't have an opportunity to test are very risky and often disappointing.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Emotional selling is often noticeably short on these three musts.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. These are the kryptonite protectors against bad emotional purchases or giftings.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. These are easy to obtain if you're buying an emotionally compelling product. Better to authenticate and ensure along with legitimize.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS