March is National Nutrition Month

March 2, 2023 By

March is National Nutrition Month which is an annual campaign created by the Academy
of Nutrition and Dietetics. I would like to discuss the importance of making informed food
choices by developing sound eating habits and through physical activity. Texas has been helpful
in promoting good nutrition for our citizens.

Since Texas has a diverse geography, this means that bountiful amounts of naturally
grown foods that are delicious and wholesome can be found throughout our state. Our farmers
grow nutritious vegetables and fruits in our well-kept Texas soils which allows for these foods to
have healthy amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that our bodies need to
function properly. Specific foods rich in these nutrients are broccoli, blueberries, spinach,
cauliflower, tomatoes, peaches, squash, onions, tree nuts (pecans, almonds, etc.), oranges,
pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and many more. To learn more about Texan-grown products visit:
http://gotexan.org/Home.aspx.

However, there is not a one-size- fits all approach to nutrition and health but there are
some major ingredients and processed foods to avoid. The most prominent food to steer clear is
added sugar. Foods with added sugar are often highly caloric and have harmful effects on our
organs. Additionally, foods with high fructose corn syrup and other artificial sweeteners have
been linked to severe health problems like obesity, cardiovascular (heart) disease and type two
diabetes. However, these sweeteners can be replaced with products such as raw honey or stevia
which are better alternatives to use in baking or iced/hot tea and coffee.

Another food group to be cautious with is artificial trans fats, also known as partially
hydrogenated oils. Trans fats have been linked with raising bad cholesterol and lowering good
cholesterol. This can lead to health risks such as high blood pressure which can cause poor blood
circulation in our bodies. The regular consumption of trans fats have also been shown to lead to
diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity.

Taking advantage of all the wonderful whole foods our state has to offer is beneficial in
many ways because making smarter nutritional choices can go a long way. To learn more about
nutrition visit: https://www.nutrition.gov/. In addition to this, you can visit the Texas Department
of Agriculture's website at https://www.texasagriculture.gov/Home.aspx. For more information
about National Nutrition Month and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, please visit:
https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article,
please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my
office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to
contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time
to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office,
361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Eagle Ford Shale, Harbor Bridge, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, New Homes Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, property taxes, Todd Hunter

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – JANUARY 2023

February 21, 2023 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Housing Report for January 2023. Our active listing median prices have stayed very stable through the holidays at $370,000 this past month which is exactly where it was compared to last January at this time!
CCAR continues to show us the data that shows active listings rising 25.7 % with a total of 132 properties this past month while inventory Has stayed steady at 2.6 compared to 1.8 last year during the month of Janaury.

Days on the market for sale have had a slight rise to an average of 63 days on the market and the highest category for sales with 37.5% of all the sales was priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The market is still holding up quite well for the beginning of the year as we head toward Spring Break. CPI Data has shown inflation is still lowering, and the fed still seems committed to getting inflation down to 2% and continues to signal more .25 basis points likely coming by the first quarter of 2023.

Soon, the spring housing market will begin, and we’ll probably want to know what to anticipate. The home market in 2023 might feel more like a nobody’s market after several years of a clear sellers’ market. More buyer advantages and slower home sales are something we anticipate. On the economic front, supply chain problems have started to get better and should keep getting better in the coming year. As interest rates and inflation reduce disposable income, we can anticipate the following five to six months to be sluggish. But the flooring and home improvement sectors will experience tremendous growth over the next five to six years.

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 January 2023 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-november-2022

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, cybersecurity, Investment Property, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, property taxes, Real Time MLS, selling a home

Real Estate Scammers on Social Media

February 15, 2023 By

In the news A Coastal Bend real estate agent spoke about a recent scam on social media.

There are criminals targeting renters and future homeowners through Facebook Marketplace.

We are seeing sales listings that they are scraping from zillow, trulia and personal websites being targeted by a scammer claiming to be the homeowner.

When realtors list home photos and details about the house become public, so it’s easy for scammers to steal them and put them on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

The scammer has the tendency to attract interested people by posting the property with a very attractive rate where people will see it and be very eager to take action and contact the poster. They use very persuasive language creating urgency for buyers to act fast.

Its prime season for scammers, so if you are in the market for a new home, make sure to look out for red flags and double check a listing you may see on Facebook or Craigslist with other sites before you inquire about it.

The scammer usually does not answer phone calls, they push you to contact them through email or text.  They are very aggressive with trying to get deposits from you as well. They don’t want to let you see the house, which is a super red flag. So please report incidents like this directly when you see it taking place.

It’s always best to do your homework before renting or buying, ask the right questions, and if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. He suggests if you do see an ad like this, don’t hesitate to contact us so we can check the legitimacy for you.  Let’s all look out for each other!

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, New Homes Padre Island, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, rentals, selling a home

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

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PASS RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT A 2nd BRIDGE TO PADRE ISLAND

January 24, 2023 By

The commissioners of Nueces County on Wednesday approved a resolution endorsing the building of a second bridge to Padre Island.

The second bridge’s location has not yet been made public.

TxDOT would be required to assist with the enormous project, which Mayor Paulette Guajardo estimated might cost up to $1 billion.

Brent Chesney, the commissioner for Nueces County’s Pct. 4, remarked, “It’s all about TxDOT, right?” “Because TxDOT has funding for projects, we need to move up the financing list. We need to go on even though we’re probably already behind other areas that require second causeways.”

The decision made on Wednesday is simply the beginning of the process, though.

Article Excerpt continued on KIIITV >>>>

 

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, BeachWalk Development, chamber of commerce, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi city council, Harbor Bridge, Holiday Parties, Hurricane Relief, Mortgages, mustang island, Packery Channel

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – DECEMBER 2022

January 15, 2023 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Housing Report for December 2022. Our active listing median prices have slightly dipped to $353,250 this past month which is a fall of 3.8% compared to last December at this time!
CCAR continues to show us the data that shows active listings rising 36 % with a total of 136 properties this past month while inventory Has a slight decline to 2.6 compared to 1.7 last year during the month of December.

Days on the market for sale have slightly fallen to an average of 50 days on the market and the highest category for sales with 32.3% of all the sales was priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The market is holding steady which is normal after the Holidays. CPI Data has shown inflation is still lowering, and the fed still seems committed to getting inflation down to 2% and continue to signal more rate hikes to come.

Coastline Properties has been weathering the conditions of different markets since 1995. Prices are falling as more properties enter the market.A survey by Homes USA shows that new home prices have decreased recently.

The adjustment occurs in the midst of a market slump brought on by increased mortgage rates and the earlier increase in prices. Builders are therefore providing greater incentives to purchasers in an effort to enhance sales as inventory rises and new homes take longer to sell.

Real estate company HomesUSA, based in Dallas, analyzes data from multiple listing services and three-month averages for sales, pricing, active listings, and other metrics. This previous week saw a low in mortgage application volume as high mortgage rates continued to harm the housing market.

In 2021, new homes weren’t being added to the MLS since they were selling so quickly. The demand for homes was at its highest and most intense from spring 2020 through spring 2022. The patterns we are currently observing indicate that the local slowdown in new house sales might not just be a seasonal blip. Construction is being curtailed by builders as the market weakens. The houses you can currently see were started when the market was different. You can observe the results of those who entered into contracts only to have to cancel them when interest rates increased.

Soon, the spring housing market will begin, and we’ll probably want to know what to anticipate. The home market in 2023 might feel more like a nobody’s market after several years of a clear sellers’ market. More buyer advantages and slower home sales are something we anticipate. On the economic front, supply chain problems have started to get better and should keep getting better in the coming year. As interest rates and inflation reduce disposable income, we can anticipate the following five to six months to be sluggish. But the flooring and home improvement sectors will experience tremendous growth over the next five to six years.

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 December 2022 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-november-2022

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Corpus Christi Foreclosures, corpus christi jobs, home maintenance, Investment Property, Mortgages, mustang island, New Homes Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, selling a home, Water Exchange Bridge

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

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – NOVEMBER 2022

December 21, 2022 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Housing Report for November 2022. Our active listing median prices have fallen to $369,000 this past month which is a fall of 3.9% compared to last November at this time!
CCAR continues to show us the data that shows active listings rising 39.6 % with a total of 148 properties this past month while inventory Has a slight decline to 2.7 compared to 1.8 last year during the month of November.

Days on the market for sale have risen to an average of 54 days on the market and the highest category for sales with 31.4% of all the sales was priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The market has softened a bit which is very typical for the Holidays. CPI Data has shown inflation is still lowering, and the fed still seems hawkish with their latest rate hike of .50 % with a commitment to continue raising rates until they get to see solid downward pressure on inflation with the upcoming March 2023 meeting.

Coastline Properties has been weathering the conditions of different markets since 1995. Our market is very unique and the word over the bridge and up North is “Padre Island is on the move.” There is more dirt turning on our little sandbar right now than we have seen in decades, exciting times ahead for residents.

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 November 2022 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-november-2022

Filed Under: buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi, home maintenance, Investment Property, Mortgages, mustang island, New Homes Padre Island, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home

A Second Causeway To Padre Island ??

December 14, 2022 By

A delegation from North Padre Island will consult with TxDOT representatives in December to discuss the need for a second causeway between the island and Corpus Christi’s mainland. Although many locals have been considering it for years, the new expansion is giving the project greater momentum. District 23 State Representative Todd Hunter remarked, “The Port Aransas, Padre Island, Flour Bluff Zone, it’s one of the largest real estate areas currently.” Growth that was hardly noticeable twenty, ten, or even five years ago when Ted Mandel, a retired man, chose the island lifestyle. Mandel predicted that there would be more visitors and residents and that everyone would encounter traffic bottlenecks on weekends during the summer and spring vacation. Mandel claimed to have observed the drawbacks of having a single causeway.

Ted Mandel urged. “How many reminders do we need? One of the electricity poles on the causeway back there fell just a week ago,” someone said.
Owner of Hard Knocks Rod Lewis remarked, “It’s not just a safety problem. But if you close those specific lanes and people can’t get here, it’s a problem for businesses.
The decision to lead the charge to start construction on a second causeway was made by Mandel and Hunter.

You’re noticing more traffic, remarked Hunter. You’re beginning to notice various weather patterns that demonstrate the need for and the gravity of having evacuations, so occasionally the timing simply happens. A causeway has been considered in the past starting at Roddfield Road, going along Yorktown Boulevard through Flour Bluff, and crossing the Laguna Madre. Hunter stated, “We have a group looking at several areas. To even start addressing the issues of whether, when, how much, and who will pay for a second causeway, numerous studies, including wildlife studies, are required.

Padre Island’s Hardknocks Sports Bar & Grill will host a meeting on December 12 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
TxDOT representatives are anticipated to attend a second meeting at Hardknocks on December 15 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.
In January’s legislative session, Hunter said he wants to be ready to speak with other state members.
Because there is a transportation need for the entire state of Texas as well as the local area, Hunter added, “We’re going to start looking at funding places statewide.”

Article Originated in Caller Times

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, cybersecurity, Harbor Bridge, Local Schools, Packery Channel, Todd Hunter, Water Exchange Bridge

BBB Tip: How to avoid purchasing fake tickets to events

December 5, 2022 By

As another Texas summer with record-breaking heat ends and the beginning of the Fall
season approaches, many people will be looking to get out and enjoy themselves at various
events across the state. Residents may be planning on watching their favorite sports team
compete this season or attending a concert featuring a famous musician. With the prices of
tickets to major events increasing and the ever-present threat of con artists capitalizing on
marketplace trends, BBB recommends consumers exercise caution when searching for and
purchasing tickets to their next event.

While most people know to be careful when purchasing tickets off a third-party website or
reseller, recent reports to BBB Scam Tracker show a concerning trend of scammers
disguising themselves as reputable ticket sellers when interacting with the victim. These
schemes often leverage the credibility of companies such as Ticketmaster to convince
victims to provide payment for tickets that are either fake, for the wrong event or priced
significantly higher than the going rate. Some may also advertise discounted tickets for
high-priced seats or sections, which turns out to be false once the tickets are received, or
the purchaser arrives at the venue.

In many worst-case scenarios, a consumer who is provided a fake ticket plans an entire
weekend around the event, including travel costs and a hotel room, only to be turned away
at the entrance. Victims may also find that the credit or debit card used to pay for the
tickets has a series of charges they do not recognize, resulting in them having to cancel the
card and dispute those transactions with their bank to varying degrees of success.
To help prevent fraudulent sellers from interrupting your event plans, Better Business
Bureau provides the following tips:

 Purchase directly from the venue whenever possible. Many consumers
automatically go to a secondary resale market to purchase tickets for an upcoming
event before first checking with the venue. Going directly to the venue may not only
save money but is also a way to ensure that a purchase is for a valid ticket. Venues
also often include what secondary resale organization they are listing their tickets on,
giving consumers an additional layer of protection from purchasing fake tickets.

 Consider your source. There is a significant difference between purchasing a ticket
from a professional ticket broker and a ticket scalper. While dealing with the latter
may result in obtaining valid tickets, the risk of encountering a scammer is
significantly greater. Always exercise caution when purchasing from sources that are
not members of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) or Better Business
Bureau.

 Research the seller/broker. Brokers who are members of NATB offer a 200%
purchase guarantee on tickets, protecting consumers that use their services.
Visit NATB.org to confirm you are interacting with a NATB-member resale company.

 Check for website encryption. It is good practice to always check for the lock
symbol in the website address, indicating a secured system is enabled on the site.
BBB strongly recommends against giving any banking information to websites that
are not secured.

 Know the refund policy. Only purchase tickets from a ticket reseller that clearly
details the purchase terms. Avoid sellers who do not disclose where the seats are located or where purchasers can pick up tickets. If the deal seems “too good to be
true,” trust your instincts and thoroughly investigate the seller before purchasing
tickets.

 Use protected payment options. Debit or gift cards, mobile banking apps and
cash transactions are risky due to difficulties recovering money if the tickets are
fake. BBB recommends using credit cards for all online purchases due to the
additional protections they offer consumers to obtain a refund.

 Verify tickets. If you doubt the authenticity of a purchased ticket, present it to the
“Will Call” or customer service center of the event venue. They will inform you if it is
legitimate or explain how a legitimate ticket for their venue should look.

If you have been a victim of a fake ticket scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Information
provided could prevent another person from falling victim.
For more information about ticket scams, visit BBB.org.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, Corpus Christi Foreclosures, cybersecurity, home maintenance, Investment Property, Local Food, property taxes, realtors, Retail Tax
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