Three for Thursday 2.13.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Well, the other shoe has fallen. The US Justice Department says the Chinese military was behind the Equifax breach of 2017. As I said back then, it's like standing on the beach and watching the tide go out in a span of 60 seconds. You know a tidal wave is coming, but when and how big? The risk is the Chinese attempting to harm our economy by creating a credit crisis. Let's hope our government can stay one step ahead. Below in our seven steps, my thoughts on how and when to share your personal information, but first - can you believe those miracle claims? Watch the video below, because this could happen to you!
Watch this Investigation
Consumer investigator Dale Cardwell flexes his muscles to help a woman with a cleaning product's confusing instructions.
Ask Dale
Especially when the ground is soggy from so much rain, we get asked who is responsible for damages when a neighbor's tree falls on your property? And what should you do now, before a tree falls?
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on knowing when and when not to share personal information:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never give personal information to someone insisting on immediate payment for an unsolicited product or service.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. Con artists often mask their true intentions by creating a perceived payoff that makes you lower your guard. Always put products and services through my 7-point process before sharing your personal information.
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 offer and the entity making the offer are legitimate before sharing personal information. Scam artists often emulate logos and websites to fool you.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. Legitimate companies aren't afraid of due diligence. Make certain you WANT to qualify for something and it's necessary before you agree to offer your information.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. Collecting your email, DOB or social for a product or service under $100 is unnecessary.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. The federal government will never call and ask for your personal information, they will write! Never share your info on an unsolicited call.
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Personal info should never be given until you've made the decision to purchase. If you have, and the company passes my seven-step process, still be as stingy as you can with your DOB and social. Once crooks get it, you will always be a target.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS