TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

The Salvage Title Trap: What Every Car Buyer Should Know
Automotive Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Salvage Title Trap: What Every Car Buyer Should Know

A Georgia buyer learns a hard lesson after purchasing a salvage title car online. Here’s what every used car shopper needs to know before signing the paperwork.

The Coupon Cutoff: Why Your Grocery Store May Reject That Last Discount
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Coupon Cutoff: Why Your Grocery Store May Reject That Last Discount

A Georgia shopper was surprised when her grocery store refused her last coupon. What's behind these coupon limits, and how can everyday consumers avoid being caught off guard?

What to Do When Faulty Products Cost You More
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

What to Do When Faulty Products Cost You More

If your online order arrives damaged, can you get a refund for the shipping too? We’ll tell you what you need to know to ask for a full refund the right way.

Insulating an Older Home? Avoid These Expensive Mistakes
Repair & Maintenance Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Insulating an Older Home? Avoid These Expensive Mistakes

Thinking of using foam insulation in your home? Learn the pros, cons, and hidden risks before making a decision, especially if you live in an older home.

Escrow Confusion: What to Do With Insurance Refund Checks
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Escrow Confusion: What to Do With Insurance Refund Checks

If you’ve switched your homeowners insurance and received a refund check, your mortgage company may ask for it back. But what happens when the check is made out to you, and not easily endorsable? Here's how to handle it.

That Deal on Shoes Might Cost You More Than You Think
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

That Deal on Shoes Might Cost You More Than You Think

Thinking about ordering from Zz Heels? Here’s what to know about the website’s legitimacy, return policies, and buyer precautions before you shop.

IRS Phone Hell: Long Waits, Loops, and Lost Patience
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

IRS Phone Hell: Long Waits, Loops, and Lost Patience

Can’t get a real person on the phone at the IRS? You’re not imagining it. Talking to a human is still one of the biggest hurdles taxpayers face. Here’s why, and what you can do about it.

Price Gouging or Just Economics? Understanding Georgia’s Lumber Spike
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Price Gouging or Just Economics? Understanding Georgia’s Lumber Spike

Lumber prices surged in Georgia during the pandemic, sparking questions about price gouging. Here's how supply and demand (not illegality) drove the spike, and what consumers can do if they suspect foul play.

Is Teen Auto Insurance Unfair to Boys? Here’s the Truth Behind the Rates
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Is Teen Auto Insurance Unfair to Boys? Here’s the Truth Behind the Rates

Wondering why your teenage son’s car insurance is sky high compared to your daughter’s? Here’s the data-backed reason behind the cost, and what you can (and can’t) do about it.

Free Credit Reports: What's Legit, What's Not, and What to Watch For
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Free Credit Reports: What's Legit, What's Not, and What to Watch For

Confused about where to safely get your credit report or score? Here's what you need to know about legitimate sources, hidden fees, and how to protect your personal information.

Would You Sign Away 40 Years for $5,000??
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Would You Sign Away 40 Years for $5,000??

A cash offer from MV Realty’s Homeowner Benefit Program may sound tempting, but it comes with a 40-year commitment that could affect your homeownership rights. Here’s what Georgia homeowners need to know before signing anything.

Service Center Silence: The Auto Repair Limbo No One Warns You About
Finance & Tips Automotive
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Service Center Silence: The Auto Repair Limbo No One Warns You About

If your car has been stuck in the shop for weeks with no updates from the dealership, here's a step-by-step guide for how to take back control.

Tax Refund Delayed by a Verification Letter? Here’s How to Handle It
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Tax Refund Delayed by a Verification Letter? Here’s How to Handle It

Have you received a letter from the IRS asking to verify your identity before processing your tax return? If so, don’t ignore it, but don’t blindly follow instructions either. Here’s how to safely handle the situation.

Power Saver or Power Scam? The Truth About Plug-In Energy Devices
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Power Saver or Power Scam? The Truth About Plug-In Energy Devices

The Energy Crusher is marketed as a tool that can lower your electric bills. But does it work? Here's what consumers should know about plug-in power savers, and how to avoid getting zapped by similar ”energy saving” claims.

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Three for Thursday is a weekly email and Dale's Do's and Don'ts is a monthly newsletter from Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell. Each week in Three for Thursday you will see a video of one of our investigations, hear Dale answer real consumer questions and learn the steps to becoming a savvy consumer. Each month in Dale's Do's and Don'ts Dale provides information valuable to homeowners.

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