Three for Thursday 12.12.19
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Hi Trustees! A recent visit to my parents' home reminded me how seniors are bombarded with scams. It ranges from legitimate companies trying to "get something by them," to fraudulent tele-marketers playing on their fears. That's part of the reason we produced our TV show, "Holiday Scams." It airs in Atlanta Saturday December 14th at 7pm on CBS Atlanta. See the preview here:
Watch this Investigation
It's also prime season to be taken advantage of while holiday shopping. Watch this warning about locking your keys in your car, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Here's today's real consumer question: Douglas asks, "I'm considering having my air ducts cleaned but the estimates seem to be all over the board. First is this really necessary and what should I look for in a cleaning company?"
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Should I give my credit card to a company that wants to place my account on automatic renewal?
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never give your credit card to a company that is soliciting you out of the blue. Verify the legitimacy of the company and offer before even considering moving forward.
Funds - Discounts in trade for an automatic bank or credit card draft is not a good trade.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Make certain the company is real and "findable" before even considering the offer.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. Lots of unsolicited offers make it appear you're getting a deal. As always compare the product with other vendors' products and prices before seriously considering an unsolicited offer.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. I generally hate automatic renewals and bank draft authorizations because the vendor is counting on you to forget to cancel before the renewal date. Unless you've got a steel-trap memory, decline the auto-renewal option - even if it means you don't get the deal.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. See if the company has a pattern of complaints from people who found it difficult or impossible to cancel their auto-renewal.
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Never skip this step.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS