Avoiding travel scams when planning for spring break

March 7, 2024 By

Spring break is a popular time for students to travel during a vacation from school. However, it
also presents an opportunity for scammers to offer fraudulent vacation rentals, flights, or hotels
designed to appeal to students and parents looking for a getaway. With spring break for many
Texas school districts occurring within the next month, BBB reminds consumers to be wary of
travel-related scams as they make their plans and finalize payments.

More than 55,000 travel, vacation, and timeshare fraud reports to the FTC in 2023 resulted in a
$120 million loss. Scammers often take advantage of consumer habits and capitalize on trending
internet searches, enticing consumers with great deals to popular destinations or all-inclusive
packages. While these scams persist year-round, they often increase in frequency during times of
the year that coincide with an increased interest in traveling, such as spring break and the holiday
or summer season.

To assist consumers in identifying and avoiding the most common travel scams, BBB provides
the following brief descriptions of the top five most-reported travel scams:

 Vacation rental con. These con artists lure in vacationers with the promise of low fees and great
amenities. The”owner” creates a false sense of urgency – such as telling potential clients that
another vacationer is interested in the rental – to get payment up before doing sufficient
research or questioning the ad’s legitimacy.
 “Free” vacation scams. When a cruise or travel company advertises a vacation as “free,” it does
not necessarily mean the trip is without cost or restrictions. Watch out for add-on fees for air
transportation, port charges, taxes, tips and other undisclosed fees.
 Hotel scams. When staying in a hotel, beware of scammers who use various techniques to
obtain credit card information, including fake front desk calls, free wi-fi connections and fake
food delivery.
 Third-party booking site scams. Use caution if you book your airfare, hotel, or other travel
arrangements through a third-party website. BBB Scam Tracker continues to receive reports of
scammers pretending to be online airline ticket brokers. In the most common version of the
scam, travelers pay with a credit card and, shortly after making the payment, receive a call from
the company asking to verify their name, address, banking information, or other personal details
– something a legitimate company would never do.

To avoid becoming a victim of a travel scam this spring break, Better Business Bureau
recommends prospective travelers follow these guidelines:

 Get trip details in writing. Before making a final payment, get all the trip details in writing.
Details should include the total cost, restrictions, cancellation penalties, and names of the
airlines and hotels. Also, review and keep a copy of the airline’s and hotel’s cancellation and
refund policies and the travel agency or booking site’s cancellation policies.
 Too-good-to-be-true deals. As is common in various scams, if the deal or discount seems too
good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use this tactic to lure in potential victims and use
aggressive “limited-time” language to entice travelers to pay before researching the business.

 Avoid wiring money or using a prepaid debit card. These payments are the same as sending
cash. Once the money is sent, there is no way to get it back. Consumers can dispute payments
provided via a credit card, making recovering funds a much simpler process.
 Call the rental owner. If you are not using a service that verifies properties and owners, do not
negotiate a rental solely by email. Many scammers don’t live locally. Speaking with the owner
on the phone and asking detailed questions about the property and local attractions will clarify
whether the listing is genuine. An owner with vague answers is a clear red flag.
 Unsolicited offers. Be cautious if you win a free trip without entering a contest or sweepstakes.
This is especially true if the offer is time-sensitive and requires the consumer to pay a processing
fee or risk it going to another “winner.” Check the official website of the company the offer
originates from to verify that it is legitimate.

For more tips on how to avoid travel scams, visit BBB.org/Travel.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a travel scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker.
Information provided could prevent another person from falling victim.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, corpus christi jobs, cybersecurity, home maintenance, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home, spring break

Shred It for Sealife to Benefit Texas Sealife Center

June 3, 2023 By

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Coastal Financial and Padre Island Business Association (PIBA) are proud to announce their upcoming event, Shred It for Sealife, to benefit the Texas Sealife Center. This community shredding event and donation drive will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 9am to 12pm at Texas Sealife Center located at 14220 S Padre Island Dr.

A Shred-It truck will be on-site for individuals and businesses to dispose of their sensitive documents in a way that is secure and environmentally friendly. PIBA Ambassadors and volunteers will guide the public through the drop-off process. Donations of any amount are welcome and will go directly to the Texas Sealife Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and sick sea turtles and other marine animals.

“We are excited to partner with Padre Island Business Association to host this event for the community.” Said Keith Clark, President of Coastal Financial. “Identity theft is a growing concern for my clients and many people, and we want to provide a safe and convenient way for them to dispose of their sensitive documents while also protecting the environment and supporting the efforts of the Texas Sealife Center. We hope to make Shred-It for Sealife an annual event and invite everyone in the community to participate.” Mr. Clark will also match the first $500 in donations.

What to Bring: Paper documents you’d like securely shred. Up to 5 containers (file boxes or equivalent) per person. Items NOT allowed: stiff metal, hanging folders, plastic bags, electronic devices, or items that will jam the shredder. You can contact the Coastal Financial office at (361) 949-3330 for more details.

Coastal Financial, LLC

Keith R. Clark, FA
14933 S Padre Island Dr
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
(361) 949-3330
keith.clark1@lpl.com

Filed Under: Charities, Hurricane Relief, New Homes Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, Restaurants, Retail Tax, spring break, Water Exchange Bridge

Happy Easter 2023

April 6, 2023 By

As Easter is upon us, it is a time for reflection and renewal. At Coastline Properties would like to take a moment to wish all of our valued clients and their families a very Happy Easter!

The Easter holiday holds special significance for many of us. It is a time to celebrate the promise of new beginnings, to reflect on the blessings in our lives, and to spend time with loved ones.

In the spirit of the season, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of our clients for entrusting us with their real estate needs. We feel privileged to be a part of your home buying and selling journey, and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the years to come.

We also recognize that the past year has been challenging for many of us, and we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and trust in our team. We are committed to providing the highest level of service, expertise, and guidance to help you achieve your real estate goals, no matter what challenges may arise.

As we celebrate this joyous occasion, we hope that you and your loved ones enjoy a wonderful Easter filled with love, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings. May the beauty and hope of the season bring you peace, happiness, and many blessings.

Thank you again for choosing Coastline Properties as your trusted partner in all of your real estate endeavors. We wish you all a Happy Easter!

Filed Under: Holiday Parties, Local Food, padre island events, realtors, Restaurants, spring break, spring cleaning

BBB Tip: Buying a car online

January 6, 2023 By

The ability to purchase goods and services online has permanently changed how countless industries conduct business.
The days of high-pressure sales tactics and price haggling are
largely in the past, as online marketplaces allow buyers to comparatively shop for the best
deal on the product they want across hundreds or thousands of sellers. Particularly when
purchasing expensive items, such as automobiles, online marketplaces allow buyers to
carefully evaluate advertised prices and compare them to other dealers.
However, interacting with an online marketplace does come with inherent risks, especially
when dealing with a private seller. BBB Scam Tracker receives multiple reports of
misrepresentative or fraudulent car purchasing scams every year, with often disastrous
results for the victim.

Fort Worth: Earlier in 2022, one Arlington-area resident reported encountering an online
seller who claimed to be deployed overseas and was selling their vehicle for $10,000. The
seller stated the vehicle would be shipped through a shipping company that did not exist,
and the address they provided was for a completely different company. When checking the
website of the shipping company, it claimed the business has been in operation since 1997,
but the website was registered in 2021 to a different company. With this information, the
buyer walked away from the transaction and reported their experience to Better Business
Bureau.

Austin/Waco/Bryan: In October, one active-duty military member stationed at Fort Hood
reported encountering an online seller who claimed their husband had passed away and was
selling his truck for $24,500. All transactions for the purchase would go through a provided
shipping company. The first red flags began to appear when the company would not provide
any requested information such as VIN numbers, accident report, owner history and would
only communicate via email and wire transfers. Suspicions raised, the buyer stated they,
“called the office number attached to the building’s location to find out they have no clue
who the company is and appreciate the information about a false company using their
location.”

Permian Basin: In October, one active-duty military member stationed at a Texas base
reported encountering an online seller who claimed their husband had passed away and was
selling his truck for $24,500. All transactions for the purchase would go through a provided
shipping company. The first red flags began to appear when the company would not provide
any requested information such as VIN numbers, accident report, owner history and would
only communicate via email and wire transfers. Suspicions raised, the buyer stated they,
“called the office number attached to the building’s location to find out they have no clue
who the company is and appreciate the information about a false company using their
location.”

San Antonio/Corpus Christi: In June, one South Texas resident found an online seller
advertising a 4X4 Jeep for $1,200 which claimed the vehicle was in McAllen, Texas. When
the buyer said they would travel to pick up the Jeep and pay the money, the seller suddenly
changed the story and said it was in Missouri. To purchase, the buyer was directed to
deposit the money in an unfamiliar account and the seller stated the vehicle had previously
been owned by a family member that had sadly passed away. Unfortunately, emotional
appeals like this are an all-too-common tactic of scammers.

If you are considering buying a car online, BBB recommends the following tips to
help you avoid getting scammed and get the best deal possible:
Set a budget. Before you set out to find the perfect car, it is important to establish a
budget. You will also want to factor in monthly expenses that come with owning a vehicle,
including insurance payments, fuel, parking, and routine maintenance and repairs. A clearly
defined budget will make choosing a vehicle, negotiating with a dealer, and getting a loan
much easier.

Do thorough research. Once you have narrowed your search, compare models you are
interested in keeping a close eye on safety ratings, owner reviews, and warranties. Visit
manufacturer websites to see detailed images of each car and research MPG statistics,
interior options, cargo space, towing capacity, and more. The additional time you spend on
these initial steps, the more comfortable you will feel when making a purchase.
Shop for a deal. These may include cash-back deals, rebates, low-interest financing
options, or incentives for recent graduates, military veterans, Uber and Lyft drivers, or first
responders. In addition, many dealers are willing to make price cuts on previous year
models or any model that did not sell as well as expected. Purchasing one of these surplus
vehicles can mean extra incentives from the dealer.

Speak with internet sales managers. When you find a car you are interested in, it is
time to get in touch with an internet sales manager. During your initial conversations, focus
on what car you want, whether they have it in stock or can get it, and how much they will
sell it for. If you are considering purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle, now is the time to
ask for a copy of the vehicle history report.

Test drive the vehicle. You should always take a test drive before you sign the final
paperwork. There is no substitute for seeing a car in person, looking under the hood, sitting
in the driver’s seat, and making sure the engine runs smoothly. To do so, you may need to
travel to the dealer’s place of business. Alternatively, some dealers offer the ability to test
drive upon delivery, and if anything isn’t as expected, you may cancel the sale.
Complete the sale at the dealer or upon delivery.  It is still usually necessary to sign
the final paperwork in person. If you would rather avoid visiting the dealership, ask about
delivery. Some dealers will drop off the car at your home or place of business and allow you
to sign upon delivery.

Avoid online car sales scams
There are plenty of pros to buying a car online, but caution is needed as well. Anytime you
shop online, and especially when making an expensive purchase like a car, you should keep
the following tips in mind:

 Watch out for too good to be true deals. They are most likely a scam. Scammers
often steal consumers’ personal information and money by offering them high-value
goods at highly discounted prices.
 Never wire funds or complete bank-to-bank transactions. Scammers love this
kind of transaction because there is no way to get your money back once completed.
Instead, make legitimate purchases by check or credit card.
 Contact the seller by phone. At some point during your negotiations, speak with
the sales manager on the phone. If they are unusually vague about specific details of
the sale or cannot confirm their location or the vehicle location, it’s most likely a
scam.
 See the car first. Never buy a car without making an in-person inspection and
taking a test drive first.
 Don’t give in to pressure. Scammers often try to pressure you to give up your
personal information or make a down payment before you have time to think about
the purchase. Take your time and consider a deal over before agreeing to anything.
 Don’t trust a seller or buyer who says that eBay, PayPal, Craigslist, or
another online marketplace guarantee the transaction. These sites explicitly
explain they cannot guarantee that people using their services are legitimate.

To learn more, see the BBB tips on buying a new car and buying a used car. You can also
lookup car dealerships at BBB.org to check their business rating and read customer reviews.
Find new car dealers near you and used car dealers near you.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, cybersecurity, Holiday Parties, Hurricane Aide, Padre Island Business Association, Scam Alert, spring break

BBB Tip: Support local businesses this National Small Business Week

April 26, 2022 By

For over 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has organized and hosted National Small Business Week (NSBW) during the first week of May. NSBW recognizes and emphasizes the importance of small businesses in the United States and their contributions to its economic well-being, with 33.2 million small businesses employing 61.2 million U.S. employees in 2021.

“Small businesses make up 99.8% of Texas businesses and employ 45% of the Texas workforce,” said Heather Massey, vice president of communications for BBB serving the Heart of Texas. “They are a key component in the strength of the Texas economy, and the pandemic continues to take a heavy toll on their operations.”

Unfortunately, small business owners often must overcome multiple challenges for continued success and longevity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics, the survival rate of small businesses fluctuates significantly in the first 10 years of operation.

  • Approximately 82% of small businesses survive their first year in business.
  • Approximately 55% of small businesses survive their fifth year in business.
  • Approximately 35% of small businesses survive their 10th year in business.

To ensure entrepreneurs have every opportunity to succeed in their business venture, the SBA and BBB offer free webinars, training events and conferences during NSBW and throughout the year. Current and future business owners can attend these events by registering at SBA.gov/NSBW and BBB.org. The theme for NSBW 2022 is Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship, with SBA’s four-day virtual summit beginning on May 2. BBB is hosting various educational events in communities across Texas, including Victoria, Corpus Christi, Laredo, Boerne and Kingsville. The nonprofit organization is also partnering with the Ingleside Chamber of Commerce to host Small Business Appreciation Day, celebrating the achievements of small business owners and their role in local communities.

“BBB encourages consumers to shop locally during National Small Business Week to show support for their local business community,” said Massey.

This NSBW, show appreciation for the small businesses in your community by following these recommendations from your Better Business Bureau:

  • Shop local. Before buying an item from a major corporation, search your community to determine if a local retailer offers the same thing. Instead of purchasing the newest best-selling book or home gadget from a mass retailer or online, support your local community and meet the small business entrepreneurs in your area. Most companies have an option to order online and pick up at the store for even more convenience when shopping local.
  • Go to the source. While there will always be times when delivery is the best option, consumers should try to go directly to the source of purchase. Third-party delivery services charge restaurants fees to use their services, taking away from the profit margins of small businesses. Small businesses listing their products on “digital shops,” such as Amazon or eBay, may also have a percentage of the sale diverted to the hosting website. By going directly to the source of these products, consumers can support small businesses by removing the middleman.
  • Be social. Support small businesses in your community by “liking” them on social media, writing positive reviews, posting positive photos and tagging the company in your posts. Promoting these businesses through social channels has the same effect as “word-of-mouth” recommendations, enhancing their digital presence.
  • Participate in community events. Farmers’ markets, networking events, community celebrations and national holiday celebrations are fantastic avenues to support locally-owned small businesses, meet your community and learn what local businesses offer. It is also where ideas, opportunities, and knowledge can be shared, strengthening your small business community.
  • Offer assistance. Be generous and forthcoming with any help you can provide to a small business. If you have technical or skilled expertise, such as an electrician or a lawyer, consider offering your services to small businesses in your community at a discounted rate while they recoup from the disruption caused by the pandemic. If you see an area where a small business is struggling that you are knowledgeable of, offer recommendations and build mutually beneficial relationships.

Better Business Bureau hosts a resource center specifically tailored to the needs of small businesses across North America. Consumers can access these resources for free at BBB.org/SmallBusiness.

 

 

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, cybersecurity, home maintenance, property taxes, Scam Alert, spring break

Padre Island Housing Data – February 2022

March 25, 2022 By

The Local Real Estate Market continues to stay in a very positive direction with prices!
The Coastline Team along with the Corpus Christi Association of Realtors continues to keep a sharp eye on market conditions…The 2 notable areas we continue to watch are the decrease in inventory, and a standard 30-year rate fixed mortgage now up a little over 1.5% from the start of the year averaging 4.56% according to BankRate.com

Days on the market for sale have increased now to an average of 103 days on the market. 41.8% of all the sales in January were priced between $200,000 – $399,999. The Median Price of homes has risen additionally by 8.3% to a price of $390,000. The market is certainly holding steady and it’s still a very good time to list your home with inventory still quite low and the spring buyers are already out looking.

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 February 2022 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-jan-2022

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, home maintenance, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island, property taxes, realtors, selling a home, spring break, spring cleaning

Padre Island Ready For Spring Break 2022

March 6, 2022 By

Thousands Expected to Visit Area Attractions and Beaches March 5 to March 20

Thousands of visitors are expected to visit area attractions and beaches over Spring Break 2022, according to the city of Corpus Christi.
The Gulf beaches will be patrolled by lifeguards in mobile units. To be mindful of surf and rip current conditions, visitors should watch and follow the flag warning system. All Gulf beach access roads are marked with flags.
From Zahn Road to Newport Pass, a lane for emergency vehicles will be built on the Gulf coastline.
For underage drinking and DWI enforcement, the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) will set up an Island command center and deploy patrol units on the beach.

Aquarius Street and other critical intersections along Park Road 22, such as Whitecap Boulevard, Commodores Drive, and State Highway, will be monitored by the CCPD. Motorists are urged to leave early for their trip because delays are possible.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has restored the I-37 northbound Labonte Park exit ramp, removing the requirement for a northbound diversion to get to the park.
The SH 358 (South Padre Island Drive) Ramp Reversal Project will stop lane closures for Spring Break in an effort to decrease traffic congestion during the holiday.

The Port Aransas ferry operations will operate at full capacity and are prepared to respond to any surge in late-night traffic. For the latest information and wait times, visit https://twitter.com/PortA_Ferry.

City parks, swimming pools (Collier Pool and Natatorium) will be open with free admission.

Stay connected by visiting Facebook @citygov and Twitter @cityofcc.

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, BeachWalk Development, corpus christi, Holiday Parties, spring break, spring cleaning, Water Exchange Bridge

Top workplace trends for 2022

February 25, 2022 By

BBB Business Tip: 

Small business owners understand better than anyone the impact that COVID-19 has had on the daily workplace. In an instant, millions of jobs went remote in 2020, and remote working continued to be the norm in 2021. When offices and businesses began to reopen, the Great Resignation of 2021 occurred. Many employees chose to remain at home or move to new cities, leaving business owners to fill in the gaps as best as possible.

So, what will 2022 bring to the workplace? Here are some of the trends that are expected to define the daily workplace in the coming year and beyond.

Hybrid or remote work

Even though many Americans have been vaccinated against COVID-19, many businesses continue with a remote or hybrid approach to work whenever possible. According to WeWork, approximately four out of five C-suite executives approve of employees splitting time between the office and remote work, and for a good reason. Location-agnostic work has allowed employees greater freedom and control when balancing multiple responsibilities. Remote work means saving money on overhead costs for business owners, from office space to coffee supplies.

With the stress of the pandemic and a high rate of burnout wearing on the workforce, some companies may let their employees continue to log in from home in 2022. Others may experiment with a hybrid framework that brings workers into the office a couple of days a week.

Focus on centralized communication

Work teams are now distributed across different time zones and continents, making centralized communication essential. With instant messaging, email and other forms of communication popping up all day, some workers may be experiencing communication overload. Focusing on centralized communication can cut through the noise and increase productivity.

A survey by ReportLinker shows that workers feel pressured to respond to instant messaging, which disrupts their workflow. When instant messaging became the primary way to communicate at work, this pressure became even more apparent. Centralized communication through email or more sophisticated software and video tools can resolve this conflict.

According to a recent McKinsey report, connected employees experience a 20-25% increase in productivity, which is done through the implementation of social tools that enhance communication and collaboration.

Prioritizing workplace wellbeing

It’s hard to define workplace wellbeing when many employees work remotely. Now, the kitchen table often doubles as an office place. Sitting in uncomfortable furniture, extending work hours and removing the boundary between work and home can place undue stress on workers’ personal and professional lives.

Addressing workplace wellness in your small business includes keeping workers comfortable and productive while working remotely. It also involves enforcing the importance of work-life balance.

A 2021 Wellable Employee Wellness Industry Trends Report reveals that 88% of employers invest more in mental health initiatives. The survey also enumerates other ways companies are investing in workplace wellness, whether that workplace is a home, an office or a retail store:

  • Telemedicine – 87% of employers
  • Stress management/resilience – 81% of employers
  • Meditation and mindfulness – 69% of employers

These results indicate that employers have recognized the need to support employees in traditional workplaces and their homes. Workplace wellness will remain critical in 2022, and watch for more programs geared towards wellness and how it relates to recruitment and retention to emerge in the coming years.

Hyperfocus on employee retention

As a business owner, you are likely wondering if the Great Resignation will continue in 2022. To keep their employees on board, many companies are focusing more on retention efforts. These efforts are essential, as 73% of surveyed workers were considering quitting their jobs, according to Joblist, underlining the importance of understanding what motivates workers and how to keep them satisfied to avoid losing them to the competition.

Some ways companies can revitalize their retention strategies include:

  • Implement or continue using performance reviews to give and solicit feedback
  • Implement career development strategies, including succession plans for employees looking to grow in their current role
  • Encourage employees to take time off to recharge

Human resources personnel and small business owners can also directly ask employees what would make their work or workplace more inviting.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are more critical than ever, with approximately 79% of companies planning to increase their DEI budgets in 2022, per a Traliant report. Companies that emphasize inclusivity and innovation make every employee feel respected and valued. According to a recent Glassdoor survey, 76% of job searchers want diversity in the workplace.

Inclusivity efforts may require you to honestly assess where your organization currently stands. Then, you can create a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that your current and future workers will value.

Keep up with current trends with help from BBB

Keeping workers productive and healthy in the office, warehouse, or at home is just one of the ways small businesses can keep up with the latest trends in 2022. Furthermore, businesses can prevent communication overload by centralizing communication, and they can improve employee retention by providing clear career development paths. Following these trends can improve morale and help small businesses recruit new team members in the coming year.

In addition to following these workplace trends in 2022, it’s also helpful to understand the trends that will drive small business growth in the coming year and beyond.

For more business tips to make the most out of 2022, visit BBB.org/SmallBusiness.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, corpus christi business, corpus christi jobs, Local Food, Packery Channel, Restaurants, Scam Alert, spring break

Social Media Scam Artists

April 6, 2021 By

 

Be wary of online messages

Do some research

Press for details

Report suspicious activity to Facebook.

Intro: Plenty of people who are connected to the internet are catching up with friends on social media or randomly surfing the web. Unfortunately, so are scammers. Here to offer tips on protecting yourself on social media is your Better Business Bureau.

How does this Scam Work?

There are several versions usually involving Facebook Messenger. A phony profile that seems like they are your friend shares an amazing deal with you. To benefit you need to select the link or share the deal. If you take part, you only have to pay a small processing fee.

In another version, the “friend” claims to be raising money for a charity to support emergency personnel, a food bank, or some other organization that has really been hit hard by the pandemic. They’ll push for a donation and yet, it sounds suspicious.

A third version is circulating where the “friend” believes their account has been ‘hacked’ and to friend them on a new request. Turns out, they were not hacked at all. The profile is publicly visible and copied by a cyber thief who then creates a new profile and is now sending out new friend requests to a bogus account.

BBB warns everyone before responding to such a request, check that the Facebook profile image is from who it says it is. Or, go the extra step and call, text, or email the friend to see if they really did send it to you.

 How do you protect yourself from Facebook Scams?

  • Be wary of online messages. A person may be trustworthy in real life, but online accounts can be hacked. Take a closer look before sharing, applying, or donating. Go to Give.org to verify a charity.
  • Do some research. If you can’t find a website, it’s most likely a fake. If you can find a website, look for contact information. No contact info is a red flag.
  • Press for details. Ask strategic questions without giving any personal information to confirm you are actually talking to someone you know.
  • Report suspicious activity to Facebook. You can report scammers to Facebook to help protect your real friends and family from a scam. You can reduce the risk of having your profile impersonated by tightening up your privacy settings and hiding your Friends list.

You can always find more information at bbb.org

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, corpus christi, New Homes Padre Island, Padre Isles POA, spring break, spring cleaning

Corona Virus Shelter In Place , Lockdown, Self-Quarantine

March 24, 2020 By

#COVID19NEWs Corona Virus News

Here is an informative video that shares with you the difference between “Shelter in Place, a Lockdown & Self Quarantine!

Here is more information from the city of Corpus Christi Texas regarding the COVID-19 Corona Virus.

http://www.cctexas.com/coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus

Stay Safe Everyone… Coastline Properties Team!

Filed Under: COVID-19 Virus, Hurricane Aide, Local Schools, North Padre Island, padre island events, port aransas, spring break

Happy New Year’s 2020 – Resolution Time!

January 4, 2020 By

Top 6 New Year’s resolutions that can help you feel better in 2020:

2018-newMore shut-eye

Many of us certainly don’t get near the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation over the long term can raise risks for health problems including obesity, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and depression. Here’s how to get a better night’s sleep: Get on a regular sleep schedule and your body will adjust, turn off all electronics & screens leaving them out of the bedroom, reading a non-digital book or listening to soothing music or whitenoise will increase your chances of gaining more deep sleep each night. Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day.

10,000 steps

Walking 10,000 steps a day, or about 5 miles, is a low-impact way to improve your health. Here are tips to get you moving: Use a free app such as Pacer and Stepz to help you keep track of steps. Take the stairs, not the elevator. Park in the back of the lot when you’re going to the supermarket. To keep it interesting, find new places to walk each week and take photos along the way.

Journaling

Journaling has several benefits for your overall health, and particularly your emotional health. It’s relaxing and helps you better understand your thoughts. Sometimes it feels like our minds are going a mile a minute, especially during periods of high stress. Putting those thoughts and emotions down on paper makes them more manageable.

Your personal journal is a permanent record of your thoughts and the events in your life. When you keep a journal, you can look back on important life events to read about how you felt at the time. You may be able to learn from these past experiences, but it’s also just nice to have a record of your past. Our memories become less clear and vivid as they fade farther into the past. Recording our lives helps us better remember them.

Flossing

So many New Year’s resolutions are centered on diet and exercise but we fail to remember dental health. Flossing is an important tool in preventing gum disease and decay. But only four out of 10 people floss at least once a day, and 30 percent say they never floss. Develop a morning and evening flossing routine, and watch your dental health soar!

Limit Screen Time

Many of us are guilty of letting phones run our lives. Make a decision to turn off or put your phone into “do not disturb mode” an hour before bed this year and completely remove it from the bedroom altogether. Read or listen to quiet music to allow your brain to turn off and promote relaxation. Remove the TV set from the bedroom as well, it is incredibly destructive to REM sleep especially for those that leave it on all night. Get a white noise machine instead if you need to have filler noise.

Clean eating

Many vow to eat healthier and lose weight every year. We have a habit of setting the bar too high with unrealistic goals and ultimately give up. One way to improve our diets is to eat “clean.” Shift your diet to focusing on whole foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains and healthy proteins and fats. Clean eating also means avoiding processed foods, refined sugar, preservatives and artificial additives.  One of the best strategies for cleaner eating is trying to stick with eating a rainbow each day in the fruits & veggies category paying attention to their colors.

Filed Under: corpus christi, Holiday Parties, North Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, spring break

Spring Breakers will have full beach access!

March 5, 2017 By


Good news for Spring Breakers headed to the Island this year. A section of beach will not be blocked off as previously planned. The state changed its mind to avoid a traffic headache.

The area in question is part of Mustang Island State Park. If you went out to the area last week, just north of Newport Pass Road, you would have seen bollards blocking off most of the beach. Now, some of the bollards are gone, allowing for a two-way flow of traffic.

So, this year, during peak Spring Break hours, you can enter the state-owned section of beach off Newport Pass, but if you come back that way, you’ll have to exit down at Zahn Road.

Under the old plan, you only could have entered or left at Access Road 3, though there would have been a small gap for emergency vehicles at Newport Pass.

The bollards were eventually taken down this week at State Representative Todd Hunter’s request. Texas Parks and Wildlife initially put them up to clarify that section of beach is state property and there are certain rules for things like drinking and camping.

Under the new plan, you can also enter or leave the beach at Access Road 3, but the state recommends your vehicle have four-wheel drive.

“I certainly feel that the removal of those bollards will certainly help facilitate the flow of traffic through those areas,” Mustang Island State Park Superintendent Scott Taylor says.

After Spring Break, Parks and Wildlife will consider putting the bollards back up, but charging a $5 fee for access is currently off the table. It’s something the state had been considering. via @kris6news

 

Filed Under: mustang island, North Padre Island, padre island events, Restaurants, spring break