TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

The Bahamas Bait: What That “Free Vacation” at the Mall Really Costs You
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Bahamas Bait: What That “Free Vacation” at the Mall Really Costs You

Think twice before entering that mall sweepstakes for a free trip to the Bahamas. In this article, we explain what you’re really signing up for, and how much it could cost you.

Dirty Ducts or Dirty Deals? What to Ask Before You Pay for Air Vent Cleaning
Cleaning Repair & Maintenance Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Dirty Ducts or Dirty Deals? What to Ask Before You Pay for Air Vent Cleaning

Confused about air duct cleaning costs? Learn what questions to ask, how to spot red flags, and whether your home really needs it. Get expert advice to avoid overpaying and protect your indoor air quality—plus a trusted resource for peace of mind.

The $500 Empty Box: How One Atlanta Mom Took On a Giant and Won
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The $500 Empty Box: How One Atlanta Mom Took On a Giant and Won

When an Atlanta mom received an empty box instead of the $500 electric bike she ordered, Amazon refused to refund her. Here's how she fought back–and what you can do if it happens to you.

Ticket Trap: Dale Got Burned by a Broker—What You Should Know Before You Buy
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention

Dale Cardwell

Ticket Trap: Dale Got Burned by a Broker—What You Should Know Before You Buy

Have you ever bought tickets from a ticket broker who never delivered? It happened to Dale, whose tickets for a play didn't show up in his inbox as promised. When he tried to get a refund, he ran into the wall of no customer service.

Window Pain: How One Homeowner Fought Back Against a Warranty Loophole
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Window Pain: How One Homeowner Fought Back Against a Warranty Loophole

Many of us know what it's like to not get what you paid for. This story is a little different. We’ll tell you what happened to Helen Thomas after she ordered windows for her family's home, and you'll understand why TrustDALE got involved!

Is Your Home Foundation Safe? 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Repair & Maintenance Home Services

Laura Lovejoy

Is Your Home Foundation Safe? 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Is your home’s foundation safe? Cracks, uneven floors, sticking doors, and moisture are signs of foundation problems. Ignoring these issues can lead to costly repairs.

The $40 Steak Scam: Why Parking Lot Meat Trucks Are Too Good to Be True
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The $40 Steak Scam: Why Parking Lot Meat Trucks Are Too Good to Be True

Everyone loves a deal! But the 20 ribeyes for $40 deal you might see in a parking lot may not be what you hope it is! Dale shows you what $40 really gets you.

Loan Trap: How One Click Cost a Family Years of Debt
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Loan Trap: How One Click Cost a Family Years of Debt

High-interest online loans are a huge risk. One lender, NetCredit, charges interest rates as high as 155%! One of our followers turned to Dale for help after she said NetCredit gave her the run-around.

Can You Cash a Check Made Out to Someone Who’s Passed Away?
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Can You Cash a Check Made Out to Someone Who’s Passed Away?

A TrustDALE follower received a check that was intended for someone who died. Can she cash the check anyway? Dale has the answer.

$2,100 Phone Bill?! How to Avoid Costly International Roaming Fees
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

$2,100 Phone Bill?! How to Avoid Costly International Roaming Fees

It's not cheap to use your smartphone outside the United States. Learn why one consumer had to pay thousands for roaming charges, and how you can avoid the same mistake on your next trip abroad.

Zillow’s Zestimates: How Close Are They to the Real Value of Your Home?
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Zillow’s Zestimates: How Close Are They to the Real Value of Your Home?

As one of the go-to websites for home buyers and sellers, Zillow's "Zestimates" can play a significant role in the decision making process. But are they accurate? In this article, we uncover the truth behind the popular home value estimates.

When the Repair Line Goes Dead: What’s Really Behind Sears’ Service Meltdown?
Finance & Tips
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

When the Repair Line Goes Dead: What’s Really Behind Sears’ Service Meltdown?

A Georgia consumer’s broken refrigerator exposes bigger cracks in Sears’ customer service. Here's what shoppers need to know before buying from legacy brands with fading support.

Puppy Love or Legal Trap? Inside the Pet Leasing Industry
Finance & Tips Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Puppy Love or Legal Trap? Inside the Pet Leasing Industry

A Georgia pet store offered lease-to-own puppies, leaving buyers like Brian Drysdale shocked by hidden costs. Discover how confusing contracts turned a $2,500 Shih Tzu into a $6,000 mistake, and how to avoid falling into the same trap.

Cruel Deception: Scammers Are Targeting the Grieving
Scam Prevention
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Cruel Deception: Scammers Are Targeting the Grieving

Scammers are posing as funeral homes to exploit grieving families, demanding fake payments and threatening to cancel services. Learn how to spot and stop this cruel scam before it strikes.