BBB Scam Alert: Fake Events & Phony Tickets

July 27, 2023 By

How the scam works

You see a fantastic deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The event promises live music, all-you-can-eat meals, craft beer or wine, or other fun activities.

When you click the social media link, it takes you to a professional website with fantastic pictures. You enter your credit card information to buy tickets and think you are all set. But before you buy, do a little research. Whether the event is non-existent, merely disappointing, or you just bought phony tickets, the result is the same: someone pockets your hard-earned money!

BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports from people who purchased fake tickets to actual events or events that have yet to materialize.

A customer in Memphis reported buying tickets for $82.50 to a “Bubble Run” in June 2022 that never happened: “Facebook event page advertised the Bubble run as a free event. I purchased 4 ‘entries’ with glasses and tutus and they charged my debit card. They then cancelled the event refuse to respond to emails. They are still advertising on Facebook like the event is happening.”

One consumer who purchased tickets to a fake beer crawl reported: “Reviews across multiple platforms make it clear that these events are at best extremely misleading or at worst canceled. No refunds are given, even when their inconsistent and mostly-unreachable customer service email address responds to confirm a refund will be provided.”

How to spot a fake festival

  • Research before you buy. Search online for the festival’s name and ensure the name advertised matches the website. Scammers often use names that sound similar to those of real festivals.
  • Check for (working) contact information. Be sure the festival website has a real phone number and email address.
  • Watch out for prices that sound too good to be true. There is no way a festival can offer tickets at extremely low prices without losing money. If the prices are much lower than elsewhere, it’s likely a scam.

What can you do?

  • Pay with a credit card. You can dispute the charges if the business doesn’t come through. Be wary of online sellers that don’t accept credit cards.

  • Look for secure sites. The website should begin with HTTPS (the extra “s” is for security) and have a lock symbol on the address bar.
  • Avoid tickets sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other free online listings.  Scammers are skilled at providing realistic tickets and fake receipts. Check out third-party ticket sites at BBB.org before making purchases.

For more information

Read BBB’s tips for buying tickets to an event. For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.

For more advice, read BBB’s tips on online shopping. If you’ve spotted an event scam, report it to BBB ScamTracker. Subscribe to BBB Scam Alerts for weekly updates about new scams.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Holiday Parties, Hurricane Relief, New Homes Padre Island, padre island events, Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, Restaurants, Scam Alert, Whitecap Development Project, Whitecap NPI

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – APRIL 2023

May 15, 2023 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Housing Report for April 2023. Our active listing median prices dipped slightly the past month to $390,000 this past month which is 0.8% less than where it was compared to last April at this time!
CCAR shows us the data that significantly rising for active listings by 62.8% with a total of 166 properties this past month while inventory Has risen at 3.6 compared to 1.8 last year during the month of April.

Days on the market for sale are increasing from last month with an average of 88 days and the highest category for sales with 36.0% of all the sales being priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The market is staying quite strong as we move closer to summer. The consumer price index rose 4.9% in April 2023, the smallest increase in two years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Wednesday in a monthly inflation report. The FED still showing signs of inflation continue to slow down if not holding steady. The Summer Housing market is right around the corner, and we are anticipating an extremely busy season.

Cheri Sperling is the owner of Coastline Properties with a dedicated team of agents specializing in residential listings, sales, and property management in the Padre Island real estate market. Coastline’s team is the most knowledgeable real estate office on Padre Island. No pressure style, patience, and an intimate understanding of the local market. They go to work for you!

 

Padre Island April 2023 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-february-2023

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi, home maintenance, Investment Property, Mortgages, Padre Island Business Association, Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club, realtors, selling a home, Water Exchange Bridge, Whitecap Development Project, windstorm insurance

THE GULF COAST’S NEWEST LUXURY MASTER-PLANNED DESTINATION COMMUNITY IS COMING TO PADRE ISLAND

February 2, 2023 By

whitcap-project-padre-island-ashlar-development

DOWNLOAD FULL DETAILS ON WHITECAP NPI PROJECT (CLICK HERE) 

It’s a done deal! The roughly 240-acre master-planned community of Whitecap North Padre Island has received unanimous approval from the Corpus Christi City Council (NPI). Over 600 residential residences and homesites are planned for this $800 million development, along with more than 50 acres for a town center, a nature preserve, and other amenities.

Between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre, Whitecap NPI is a unique refuge that encourages enjoyment of and access to natural wildlife, including Kemp Ridley Sea Turtles and more than 380 migratory, over-wintering, and resident bird species.

This legacy project is being developed by Ashlar Development LLC and is owned by Diamond Beach Holdings, a fully owned subsidiary of International Bancshares Corporation.

Whitecap will be a unique and exciting new development that offers a water-centric way of life, modern, fresh house designs, and a thriving retail and commercial center within the neighborhood. Anywhere in the United States, the combined ambiance created by this once-in-a-lifetime concept will embody the next chapter in coastal culture. According to Steve Yetts, president of Ashlar Development, “It is destined to become the most prominent coastal community on the Texas Coast, if not the entire country.”

Whitecap NPI, which features coastal contemporary architecture everywhere, will raise the bar for seaside living. The residences are situated on island enclaves, providing distinctive neighborhoods connected to the rest of the community by bridges and pathways, many of which include canal access for boating and water sports.

The Whitecap NPI community is anticipated to have amenities like kayaking, paddle boarding, activity centers, pools, a nature preserve with walking trails, multimodal paths with golf cart access, a proposed luxury marina with state-of-the-art dry-stack boat storage, and a public town center with a planned resort-style hotel, shops, and restaurants, as we can see. The community is focused on scenic waterfront living, boardwalks, green space, and easy access to more than 52 acres of canals.

The Whitecap community will serve as a catalyst for economic activity on both the island and the mainland, according to Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo. All locals will benefit from the new and expanded services, the better water quality and infrastructure, the bridge access for boats and walkers, and the large city revenue that will result from this high-quality development.

The Whitecap NPI site, which is on one of the longest undeveloped barrier islands, is essential to the prairies and marshes along the Gulf Coast where the nearby waters serve as a vital habitat for marine and terrestrial plants and animals throughout the year.

“IBC Bank has a long history of supporting South Texas by making investments there. We are dedicated to making Whitecap NPI a premier neighborhood in Corpus Christi and the surrounding area. We have always understood the significance of this site and how it might lead to favorable changes for Corpus Christi and North Padre Island. IBC Bank’s Director of Public Affairs Jennifer Hoff remarked, “As a result, we have been very cautious to build an engaging community where nature can balance itself alongside development for the long-term benefit of the environment, people, and visitors.

The infrastructure and canal network connecting the beach to the bay, which will serve as the community’s basis, are now being built. In the first quarter of 2023, there will be an opportunity to reserve lots by visiting http://www.whitecaplivingnpi.com

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, Water Exchange Bridge, Whitecap Development Project

Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club

June 24, 2014 By

Welcome to the “New Coast, Now!”

mT=f(P2 + t + s + a)

But what does this mean?

Motivated team = function (Passionate People + training + strategy + accountability)

This is Legacy International Resort Properties’ winning formula for their brand new resort, Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club.

Designed by award-winning developers Bart Koonz and Red McCombs, this community has it all…Beach. Bay. Golf.

Philip Jelufka, President and CEO of Legacy International, outlined the resort’s 5 Key Differentiators at a discussion hosted by San Jacinto Title Company on May 14, 2014 at the Comfort Suites on Upper Padre Island. They are:

  1. World-class golf course
  2. Expertise in financing and world-class management and developing
  3. Beach. Bay. Golf.
  4. Product offering – homes, condos, hotel, etc.
  5. Being a part of New Coast. Now.

This 700-acre resort is designed to be pedestrian friendly, with a grand opening date of August 2, 2014.

June 10, 2014 Coastline Properties toured the site. Tiffany Pritchard, Sales Executive, has shared her unmatched knowledge of the resort and outlined each detail, big and small!

This walkable community is made up of Village North, Village South, and the Marina (refer to photo below). The Marina, northwest of Village North (Map1, in orange) will house 150 uncovered boat slips on the bay side. Adjacent to the marina is the intercoastal waterway and close proximity to the airport.

Map 1 Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club

Across 361 then is Village North. The green plots (Map 2 Picture Below, Village North) you see are home sites – there are a limited number available. These range in price from $195,000 – $815,000. There are currently 4 preferred builders, but yes, you can bring in your own. By the end of summer, 8 homes will have broken ground. Once you purchase a home site, you have 2 years before you are required to start construction.

Map 2 – Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club

Three of the 4 builders are:

  1. Keystone Company – 3 bed/4 bath, 2,826 sq. ft.
  2. Conner Coastal Homes – 4 bed/4.5 bath, 2,504 sq. ft.
  3. T. Kypke Builder Inc. – 4 bed/4.5 bath, 2,840 sq. ft.
  4. Buckwild Builders – 4 bed/4 bath, 2,942 sq. ft.

The vertical village concept will keep the resort pedestrian friendly and architecturally consistent. Each home must have a minimum of 2 stories, but some home sites allow for a 3.5 story maximum. Homes that dead-end will have towers atop them to further enhance village feel and ‘curb’ appeal.

Want to use your home as an investment opportunity? No problem – there is on-site management for homes in the rental pool.

The yellow blocks you see (Map 2) are for future development, but “yet to be determined” regarding what kind. The resort take its cues from the market to identify what it wants. More homes? More condos? Do you have a good idea? Feel free to write in and give us your own input!

Then you’ll see the grey area (Map 2), where Seagate Condominiums will go. Set to be finished in 2015, the condo is “breaking ground” in June (wait, that’s now!!), and will be going vertical in the next several months. These units are also available for sale, and will be located near the entrance of the village once you pass the Welcome Center. The L shaped condominium will be 4 floors high, totally 9 different floor plans to choose from. There will be 18 condos in total, ranging between $365,000 to $985,000.

Floor One:

  • Juniper Floor Plan – 3 bed/2 bath, 1,524 sq. ft., patio 143 sq. ft.
  • Jasmine Floor Plan – 2 bed/2 bath, 1,372 sq. ft., patio 168 sq. ft.
  • Lantana Floor Plan – 1 bed/2 bath, 1,040 sq. ft., patio 179 sq. ft.

Floor Two:

  • Mesquite Floor Plan – 3 bed/2 bath, 1,646 sq. ft., balcony 180 sq. ft.
  • Mulberry Floor Plan – 2 bed/2 bath, 1,357 sq. ft., balcony 180 sq. ft.
  • Myrtle Floor Plan – 2 bed/2 bath, 1,407 sq. ft., balcony 256 sq. ft.

Floor Three:

  • Palmetto Floor Plan – 3 bed/4 bath, 2,817 sq. ft., balcony 344 sq. ft.
  • Retama Floor Plan – 2 bed/3 bath, 1,971 sq. ft., balcony 189 sq. ft.

Floor Four:

  • Wisteria Floor Plan – two stories, 3 bed/4 bath, 2,271 sq. ft., 3rd floor balcony 545 sq. ft, 4th floor balcony 143 sq. ft.

* The third and fourth floor(s) have 6, 2 story units.

But what about fees?

Home sites

  • $3000 per year Homeowners Association (HOA) fees

Seagate Condos

  • 36 cents per square foot on master HOA fees
  • $1200 per year for pool and amenities fees

So now that we know about the ‘designer’ living here, what does the resort offer in terms of amenities and entertainment?

  • Golf: This 222 acre, 18 hole “gold” course is (as of August, 2013) managed by internationally renowned Troon Golf, and designed by Award-Winning Arnold Palmer Signature Courses. The grass on the tees and fairways are Seashore Paspalum. A fine choice due to its tolerance to heat, salt water, and dense root system(s), which provide desirable turf-like characteristics and is the same grass used on the Augusta course. Although this will still remain a public course, resort owners will be privy to some perks (perks program is currently in the works). The clubhouse has a new restaurant named the Black Marlin, which boasts sophisticated, yet fun and fresh coastal dishes. The outdoor seating is set up with hanging lights, a stage, and even a bar 3 stories up overlooking the gulf.
  • Grand Lawn: Next to the clubhouse and Black Marlin, there will be a grand lawn, which can be used to host events.
  • Hotel: This will likely be a Hyatt boutique hotel, meant to provide luxury to those coming to spend a relaxing weekend away, likely with a spa and a pool. But it will also have a conference room and both casual and fine dining. Soon to be an overnight golf destination sensation, they’re expecting an influx of golfers to come and stay a night or two. A hotel on the premises is the convenience they’ll seek.
  • Pool: A brand new pool, bar, and amenities center (located near the home sites and Seagate Condos) is set to open this summer, equipped with loungers, umbrellas, and cabana boys serving chilled grapes. OK, I made that last part up, but there WILL be cabanas.
  • Beach: It’s right there!! Perfect for fun in the sun, waves, shelling, and birding. Private beach access with dune crossover will be built to provide private beach access.

Although the developers currently have their hands full concentrating mainly on developing Village North, Village South and the Marina may not be far behind – it will be exciting to see it all unfold.

Arnold Palmer himself quotes this project as an “enthusiasm I haven’t felt in a while.” That’s good enough for me!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at 847-830-2087 or whitney@coastline-properties.com for additional information. The Palmilla Beach Resort Welcome Center can also answer your questions at 361-749-3628. Or simply visit palmillabeach.com and click around!

Great “New” Listing Below

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 225309 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

 

Filed Under: Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club, port aransas Tagged With: ,