Corpus Christi’s Long-Term Water Needs

April 25, 2024 By

Addressing Corpus Christi’s Long-Term Water Needs

By Drew Molly, P.E., Chief Operating Officer of CCW

We all need water to survive, and communities are no different. Without water, communities are not able to
grow and thrive, let alone survive, so its importance to all of us cannot be overstated.
As a coastal community, Corpus Christi has a long, rich history, but none of this would have been possible
without the availability of fresh water. For years, communities in the Coastal Bend have relied on rivers and
manmade reservoirs to meet all of their water needs. However, as more people and businesses have found
their way to our region, this has put greater demands on all public services, including the availability of water.
Only relying on Mother Nature to consistently provide enough rainwater for Corpus Christi to prosper and
grow is no longer a viable solution. This is especially the case when considering the prolonged drought in our
Nueces River Watershed, and the direct impact it has on the reservoir levels of Lake Corpus Christi and Choke
Canyon.

Unfortunately, both the near- and long-term outlooks for getting enough rainfall to address the ongoing water
shortage are not promising. This is why many communities in South Texas are looking at ways to secure
reliable, drought-proof sources of water. Corpus Christi is leading this effort by proceeding with plans to build
a seawater desalination plant along the Inner Harbor that, when operational, will supply up to 30 million
gallons of clean water daily.

Adding this amount of new water to the current system is significant, as CCW (Corpus Christi Water) is
responsible for supplying water to more than 500,000 people in seven counties in the Coastal Bend. The city’s
existing sources of water – the Nueces, Lavaca Navidad and Colorado rivers and related reservoirs – will
remain important, but the addition of a high-capacity desalination plant that consistently generates millions of
gallons of clean, drinkable water will positively counteract the impacts that droughts are having on the system.
It should also be emphasized that the Inner Harbor Seawater Desalination Treatment Plant will be a much
needed second water treatment plant. The entire region depends on one water treatment plant, which was
constructed in 1954 and had one additional treatment module added in 1981. While this facility continues to
operate well, it is time for the Region to add a second facility that provides a completely new and drought-
proof water supply.

The stakes are high, but much thought and research has gone into the process, which is nearly 20 years in the
making. Besides adding much-needed water to the local supply, the new desalination plant will be fully
integrated into the city’s existing infrastructure and regional system, as well as lead to improvements in the
local power grid and create an estimated 3,500 construction-related jobs.
This is all being done in a fiscally responsible, sustainable way that ensures we have a resilient water supply for
years to come. Great care is also being taken to be environmentally responsible. In short, we are utilizing
science and data to make sure the project is safe for sea life and will have minimal impact on our existing
waterways.

Bottom line, seawater desalination is a sustainable and responsible solution that not only helps us meet the
city’s current and future demands for water, but it also provides a reliable, cost-effective and drought-proof

source of water for years to come using technology that is currently being used worldwide by many other
communities. To learn more about this important project, visit www.desal.cctexas.com.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi, Corpus Christi Foreclosures, Holiday Parties, Hurricane Aide, Local Food, Mortgages, mustang island, North Padre Island, North Padre Real Estate, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, port aransas, Whitecap Development Project, Whitecap NPI, windstorm insurance

NORTH PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – MARCH 2024

April 16, 2024 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the North Padre Island Housing Report for March 2024.

Our active listing median prices have risen the past month to $480,000 this past month which is an 13.6% decrease from where it was compared to last March at this time! CCAR shows us the data that is increasing for active listings by 82.9% with a total of 278 properties this past month while inventory Has risen at 9.8 compared to 3.1 last year at this time.

Days on the market for sale increased this past month with an average of 90 days and the highest categories for sales with 32.2% of all the sales being priced between $400,000 – $399,999. The market is still staying very stable so far into 2024 with properties available across many pricing areas. North Padre Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI is open for sales of their lots in Phase 1, Contact Coastline Properties Agent Ms. Amber Spicak at their office for all pre-sales. amber@coastline-properties.com

The consumer price index climbed 3.5% year over year in March, according to data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, faster than February’s 3.2% pace. Economists surveyed by FactSet had expected an annual increase of 3.4%.

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!

 

North Padre Island March 2024 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

north-padre-island-housing-report-march-2024

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, home maintenance, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Real Estate, port aransas, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home, Whitecap Development Project, Whitecap NPI

BBB Scam Alert: Investment Scams Cost Texas Residents

April 2, 2024 By

Within the first two months of 2024, Texas residents have reported nearly $500,000 lost to
investment scams to BBB Scam Tracker, with many reports detailing new promotional
tactics scammers are using that encourage investors to participate in the scheme. By
framing an investment opportunity with ‘New Year’ discounts on service, withdrawal, and
tax fees, some Texas residents have lost more than $100,000 and cannot recover their
funds. BBB’s 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report found investment and cryptocurrency scams
are the No. 1 riskiest scam North American consumers encountered last year. 80% of people
who were targeted by this scam lost money with a median loss of $3,800.

Investment scams are not modern inventions, but many new technologies are making it
easier than ever for anyone to enter the investment scene, opening countless opportunities
for legitimate and fraudulent traders. Using the reach and engagement of social media, con
artists create highly engaging content and position themselves as an expert source of
information, capitalizing on confusing financial terms and unclear processes. Some of the
primary sources scammers use to find a potential target include:

 Canvasing social media community groups that focus on investments or
cryptocurrencies and proactively contact people who ask questions.
 Creating short-form video content that demonstrates their successes while investing,
often by showing large bundles of cash or a lavish lifestyle.
 Establishing a romantic link with a target then directing them to an investment
opportunity, leaning heavily on flattery and disguising their true intentions under the
veil of an online relationship.

Using sophisticated systems designed to appear like legitimate investment dashboards,
scammers mislead their target into believing their initial investment is creating huge
returns. Encouraged by what they can see with their own eyes, investors listen to the
recommendations of the scammer to invest more of their money into the fraudulent fund
with many liquidating financial assets, taking out personal loans, or refinancing their homes.
The assumption is they’ll easily be able to recover once they withdraw their funds.
Unfortunately, when they attempt to withdraw their money, many victims learn that the
‘trader’ is a fraud.

After attempting to withdraw, investors may be charged a series of service, withdrawal, or
tax fees before the money is released to their accounts, and the rates of these charges do
not reflect the promotional offer used when they initially signed up for the service. When the
fees are paid, the scammer disappears with the remaining investment, access to the
dashboard is disabled, and many deactivate the social media accounts they used to initiate
contact. Alternatively, the scammer takes these actions immediately after the withdrawal
request is made without charging additional fees. In some of the costliest cases, the
scammer continually charges progressively higher fees to withdraw, claiming that the total
deposit in the fund must first meet a predetermined level before it can be accessed or that
additional services must be paid.

Consumer Reports:
Houston, Texas – January 2024
“[The trader] told me I could start investing with $200 and would get up to $2,000. He
would help set up my account and manage my trades [with] a 10% company fee off my
profits. I was told to send $200 to a Cash App account, and when the trade was supposedly
over, I was charged $575 to get my profits. When I paid that, I was told I needed to pay
$350 for IRS taxes. At that point, I did not pay any more money and told the person I was
going to report them. They deleted our conversation and blocked me.”

Cedar Park, Texas – February 2024
“They had a group on WhatsApp stating that they would teach you how to trade
cryptocurrency, and you can earn money from it using paired crypto contracts by setting up
an account and downloading a specific app. You can see your money growing in the account,
but once you try to request the funds, they tell you that you must pay a 33% tax fee to
receive the funds. I reluctantly paid it and still did not receive the funds. Eventually, they
told me that there was an error and that I would need to pay $500 to fix it. I stated that
this was a scam and was immediately removed from the group.”

Fort Worth, Texas – January 2024
“Initially approached off TikTok, they claimed there was a guaranteed investment growth of
15%. After the initial investment [of $3,000], I was hit with extortion when it came time to
withdraw the funds. They said I had to pay more to ‘unlock’ my funds to be transferred. I
did this hoping I wasn’t being scammed; I was wrong. They kept every dime I sent and then
ghosted me when I asked too many questions.”

To help Texas residents steer clear of investment scams, Better Business Bureau
recommends investors follow these guidelines:

Don’t fall for high-pressure or scare tactics. If a ‘trader’ contacts you, they may try to
convince you that you will only get high returns if you immediately invest in the fund. Be
wary of anyone using this type of language if you do not have a working relationship and
are confident they are legitimate. If you’ve already provided an initial investment, they may
threaten you with legal action if you do not pay additional fees. Recognize these signs as a
hallmark of a scam and avoid interacting with anyone who relies on high-pressure or scare
tactics.

Be skeptical of guaranteed returns. No legitimate trader can tell the future, and
unforeseen fluctuations in the market can make even the most stable funds have minimized
returns. Investing comes with an inherent risk, and scammers often try to encourage people
to enter the scene by guaranteeing a specific percentage or value that will be returned on
their investment. These tactics revolve around the get-rich-quick scheme and are another
example of – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Do your research. Especially when approached by someone unsolicited via social media,
take the time to research their name, business, or group online to see if anyone else has
encountered issues with them before. Check BBB Scam Tracker for consumer reports and
check if their company is listed, or Accredited, with the organization. BBB Accredited
Businesses are required to adhere to the organization’s Standards for Trust to maintain their
status, and one of the major elements of these standards is responsiveness.
Familiarize yourself with investment terms and processes. Consumers looking to
enter the investment scene are encouraged to familiarize themselves with standard
processes, terms, and systems to give them the knowledge they need to recognize
abnormal interactions. While it is unnecessary to become a financial expert, the ability to
speak conversationally about financial terms can help investors identify impostors and find
the right person for their needs.

If you’ve been a target of an investment scam, report your experience to Better Business
Bureau at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Information provided may prevent another person from
falling for these costly schemes.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, corpus christi jobs, cybersecurity, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Hanna, Investment Property, selling a home, Todd Hunter

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

BBB Tip: Recovering from freezing temperatures while avoiding

February 26, 2024 By

BBB Tip: Recovering from freezing temperatures while avoiding unethical contractors and utility impostors

Over the weekend, plummeting temperatures and wintry weather mixtures have struck
communities across Texas, with many residents experiencing power outages, ruptured water
lines, hail damage, fallen tree limbs, or other issues due to below-freezing temperatures. As
home and business owners begin to thaw out in the coming days, many will discover a
variety of problems resulting from the sudden cold snap. While some homeowners can
easily handle cleanup and repair efforts, others will likely require the help of a professional.
Additionally, other residents may begin to piece together facts and receipts to learn they
interacted with an impersonated utility company that demanded immediate payment or a
fraudulent online seller advertising winter weather and emergency products.

After significant weather events that are likely to result in property damage, Better Business
Bureau typically receives an increase in reports of unethical contractors operating across
affected regions. Commonly referred to as ‘storm chasers,’ many businesses offering
services to residents negatively impacted by severe weather are well-respected and
legitimate. However, among these groups are those who would take advantage of a
homeowner in need rather than provide any meaningful service.

Some common issues reported to BBB in these types of situations include:
 The contractor requires a significant deposit (over 50% of the total estimate) from
the property owner and then continually postpones the start date until
communication stops. Any effort by the homeowner to contact the business is
unsuccessful, and the business’s physical location is either too distant to travel to,
abandoned, a residential home for sale, or a vacant lot.

 The homeowner is approached by a contractor who claims they have excess material
left over from a nearby project, and the business can pass the savings on to the
homeowner if they can start work immediately. Once the contractor begins the
project, the scope of work expands far beyond what was initially estimated, and the
homeowner is held accountable for paying a final bill that is significantly more
expensive than they expected.

 Repairs on systems requiring specialized work (plumbers, electricians, HVAC
technicians, etc.) are done by an unlicensed individual, leaving the homeowner liable
if the contractor did not do the repairs correctly or did not comply with the applicable
housing codes.

Property owners are encouraged to verify that the provided licenses are valid by checking
with the appropriate regulatory agency. In Texas, the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation and the Texas Department of Agriculture are two of the most likely agencies that
hold licenses for businesses that property owners may call upon to help recover from
freezing temperatures.

Decreasing temperatures also allow utility scammers to take advantage of people’s fears of
being without heat during the cold weather. Be wary of texts, phone calls or emails from the
utility company that services your area claiming that they will shut your heat off
immediately unless an outstanding bill is paid. According to the Public Utility Commission of
Texas, an electric utility company cannot disconnect a customer anywhere in its service area
on a day when:

The previous day’s highest temperature did not exceed 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and
the temperature is predicted to remain at or below that level for the next 24 hours,
according to the nearest National Weather Service (NWS) reports.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Breast Cancer, Charities, corpus christi jobs, cybersecurity, hispanic chamber of commerce, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, windstorm insurance

BBB Tip: Five Resolutions For a Fraud-free New Year

January 4, 2024 By

The loss of money, personal information, and perseverance of scammers continue with online purchase scams as the riskiest of scams.

BBB recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year’s resolution list and the weight loss and financial goals to help make the upcoming days and months fraud-free.

  • I resolve to be cautious with email.  Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look like they are from a legitimate business, government agency, or reputable organization (even BBB!). Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
  • I resolve never to send money to strangers. If you haven’t met a person face-to-face, don’t send them money. This is especially true if the person asks you to transfer funds using a pre-paid debit card or CashApp. Money sent to strangers in this way is untraceable, and once it is sent, there’s no getting it back. Scammers will try to trick you into panicking – so before making a move,  think the situation through. Don’t fall for it!
  • I resolve to do research before making online payments and purchases. Research the retailer before entering payment information when shopping online, or if asked to pay online, research the retailer before entering payment information. Ask: Is this a person or business I know and trust? Do they have a working customer service number? Where is the company physically located? Would I be making payments through a secure server (https://….com)? Have I checked to see if others have complained?
  • I resolve to use my best judgment when sharing my personal information. Sharing sensitive personal information with scammers opens the door to identity theft. Never share financial information, birthdate, address, Social Security/Social Insurance number, or Medicare number with an unsolicited caller.
  • I resolve to be social media smart. Use privacy settings on social media and only connect with people you know. Be careful about including personal information in your profile, and never reveal your address and other sensitive information – even in a “fun” quiz. Scammers may use this information to make themselves pass as friends or relatives and earn your trust. Also, be careful when buying products you see on social media. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads.For more information

For more information

To learn more about scams, go to BBB.org/ScamTips. For more about avoiding scams, check out BBB.org/AvoidScams. If this scam has targeted you, help others avoid the same problem by reporting your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, cybersecurity, home maintenance, Hurricane Relief, Mortgages, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, Water Exchange Bridge

NORTH PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – NOVEMBER 2023

December 24, 2023 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the North Padre Island Housing Report for November 2023.

Our active listing median prices have stayed steady the past month to $400,000 this past month which is a 8.6% increase from where it was compared to last November at this time! CCAR shows us the data that is increasing for active listings by 70.2% with a total of 240 properties this past month while inventory Has risen at 7.3 compared to 2.6 last year at this time.

Days on the market for sale decreased this past month with an average of 42 days and the highest categories for sales with 42.9% of all the sales being priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The market is still quite stable moving into 2024 with properties available across many pricing areas. North Padre Island’s newest development Whitecap NPI is open for sales of their lots in Phase 1, Contact Coastline Properties Agent Ms. Amber Spicak at their office for all pre-sales. amber@coastline-properties.com

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.1 percent in November on a seasonally adjusted basis, after being unchanged in October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.1 percent before seasonal adjustment.

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!

 

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

north-padre-island-housing-report-october-2023

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Investment Property, North Padre Real Estate, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home, Whitecap NPI

BBB Tip: Avoiding online purchase scams and impostors this holiday season

December 3, 2023 By

As the holiday season approaches, Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges consumers to
remain vigilant against a surge in online scams that could threaten their festive spirit.
During the past five years, Texas residents have reported losing $17.5 million to scams,
21% due to online purchases. BBB has identified online purchase scams as the No. 1 riskiest
scam encountered by North American consumers in both the 2021 and 2022 Scam Tracker
Risk Report, and are often enacted by impersonating reputable businesses.

Since 2018, losses to online purchase scams reported to BBB by Texas residents have
significantly increased during two times of the year – early spring and the holiday season – while the number of reports
peaks during the summer months. Often, a sense of urgency and the fear of missing out on a great deal
for a highly desired product are key influences if an online shopper loses money to a fraudulent seller. The holiday
season is a busy time for most people as they purchase gifts, make travel plans, prepare
holiday dinners, and get their homes ready for family and friends. In many cases, shoppers
do not have the time to verify the legitimacy of an online seller as thoroughly as they
typically do at other times of the year, and the existence of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and
other holiday promotions introduce difficulties in determining when a deal is “too good to
be true.”

“It is important for online shoppers to protect themselves while interacting with digital
marketplaces throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season when scammers
are out in force to take advantage of shoppers,” said Heather Massey, vice president of
communications and community relations for Better Business Bureau serving the Heart of
Texas.
No matter the scheme, a key tactic of scammers is to disguise themselves as a reputable
business or government agency (known as an impostor scam), and this strategy is more
successful during the holiday season. Impostor scams have been identified as the No. 1
most reported fraud to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network since 2017, with a median
loss of $1,000 in recent years. BBB’s 2022 Scam Tracker Risk Report found some of
the most commonly impersonated companies include Amazon, Geek Squad, Publishers
Clearing House, and the U.S. Postal Service. With more people ordering products online and
expecting deliveries, fraudulent notifications about shipping issues or suspicious activity on
an account from an impostor have a greater likelihood of being taken seriously, which often
means a greater chance of losing money or personal information.

With $1.2 million reported lost across nearly 1,400 reports, the impact of online purchase scams on
Texas residents this year has already broken 5- year records, and the holiday season will likely
see these numbers increase. While BBB is concerned about these record-breaking numbers, they do not
reflect the emotional, physical, and mental stress associated with falling victim to a scam, nor the
long-lasting effects it has on an individual’s confidence to navigate a complex marketplace without
being taken advantage of.

“Our goal is to empower consumers to recognize the signs of a scam and to give them the
confidence to trust themselves when something doesn’t feel right,” said Massey. “Research
conducted by BBB found that nearly 75% of people who encountered a scam but did not
lose money simply felt something wasn’t right about the situation, so they walked away. The
next two most powerful defenses are to be generally aware of scam tactics and to research
the offer.”
This holiday season, BBB provides the following tips to help Texas residents avoid online
scams, impostors, and counterfeit items:
Use protected payment methods. BBB research found that people who pay with a credit
card or PayPal are more likely to recover their funds after sending money to a scammer.
However, with PayPal, a buyer should not send money using the platform’s Friends and
Family method. If an online seller directs you to use PayPal’s Friends and Family method, it
is most likely a scam because they know PayPal’s protection policies do not cover money
sent through that system in the same way as a business transaction.

Be wary of social media ads. Social media is a great way to stay connected with friends
and family, and it is also a great way to get exposed to a lot of different products that
appeal to you. However, not everything advertised on a social media platform is legitimate,
and scammers can easily create sponsored advertisements that will appear on your news
feed. If interacting with a social media ad, take a minute to verify it has routed you to the
right website. Better yet, go directly to the website on your own and search for the
advertised product.

Avoid links provided in unsolicited emails or text messages. If you receive an
unsolicited text message with a link, avoid following it. In many cases, there is no way of
knowing where that link will direct you, and even if you arrive at a website that appears to
look official, it could very well be a lookalike website. It may automatically download
malware on your device. If you receive a notification regarding suspicious activity on an
online account, verify the facts by contacting the company using a known and trusted
method, such as their official mobile app or the contact number on a recent bill.

Review protection policies. Become familiar with the protection policies established by
the agency or company you are being contacted by. Many companies and government
agencies prohibit their official representatives from asking you to verify personal or account
information over the phone or through email. If you ever have doubts about someone’s
legitimacy, it is best to hang up and contact the company through another method to
double-check that everything is in order.

Verify you are at the right website. Pay close attention to see if any special characters
are replacing letters, such as the Greek alpha (α) instead of ‘a’, and the domain and
subdomain match the official company website. While looking through the URL, take a
second to verify the website is secured. Poor grammar is also a good indication that a
scammer may have put together a website hastily. However, this is something that they are
getting better at avoiding, due in large part to AI content creation tools. Check the age of
the domain – a well-known company isn’t likely to have just registered their website in the
past few years.

For more information about how to avoid holiday-related marketplace issues this year,
visit BBB.org/Holiday.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a scam or unethical business practice,
report it to BBB through an official business complaint or Scam Tracker report. Information
provided may help another person from being affected and assist BBB in recognizing trends
in marketplace behavior.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, chamber of commerce, corpus christi business, corpus christi jobs, cybersecurity, Holiday Parties, Investment Property, Mortgages, North Padre Real Estate, padre island events, selling a home, Water Exchange Bridge, Whitecap Development Project

BBB Business Scam Alert: Entrepreneurs beware of fake marketing services for small businesses

November 25, 2023 By

Small business owners are passionate, dedicated individuals who have accumulated years of
expertise in an industry. Through time and experience, they often have found ways to
improve processes and use that knowledge to the benefit of their customers and clients.
However, one aspect of business ownership they may not be as familiar with is marketing.
Many small business owners turn to marketing agencies and firms to handle their online
presence or advertisement needs. Unfortunately, the demand for these services opens the
opportunity for scammers to take advantage of small business owners. BBB Scam Tracker
receives multiple reports across the nation of phony businesses tricking small business
owners into signing monthly contracts for services that are never rendered.

How the Scam Works
A small business owner seeking a low-cost marketing service discovers a company that
offers exactly what they are looking for. The company may claim to offer public relations,
search engine optimization or other general marketing support for a low monthly fee, often
promising amazing results.

Once a small business owner signs up and submits payment, the company becomes difficult
to communicate with. They may constantly postpone or delay promised marketing
materials, such as social media posts, graphics or logos. In many cases, getting in touch
with the company once payment has been processed becomes nearly impossible and
attempts to cancel the service go unanswered, requiring the business owner to cancel the
card associated with the account.

How to Spot Fake Services
Research companies thoroughly before hiring. Spend the time to research and get to
know the company well before contacting them. Make sure their website is professional and
their social media accounts are real. Search for customer complaints and reviews about
their services on BBB.org. Legitimate marketing companies take pride in their digital
presence because it is often the most-requested service of their clients and provides an
opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. Use this chance to evaluate how the company
positions or advertises itself and whether it would be a good fit for your business needs.
Check the contact information. If the company possesses both a social media presence
and a professional website, be sure to check for their contact information. If the company
has no telephone number or physical address, that is a sign it may not be legitimate. If a
telephone number is listed, call it to make sure it is in service and verify the physical
address is associated with the company name by searching online. Scammers will often use
the addresses for vacant properties for their own purposes.

Reach out to references. Reach out to the references provided by a company to verify
they have not been fabricated. Make certain it is possible to contact the people on the list
and research their names online to make sure they are real people with legitimate small
businesses. Keep in mind that online testimonials posted on websites or on some review
platforms can be fabricated. Learn more about BBB’s review vetting process on BBB.org.

Understand what you are paying for. A reputable company will be able to clearly
describe their services and the expected timeline to receive marketing materials before a
potential customer pays for those services. Spend the time to understand the services, their
scope, how they will be delivered (email, mail, social media posting, etc.) and when they
will be provided. If any of these elements are unclear or if details about payments are
vague, look elsewhere for services.

Use protected payment methods. Be cautious of any company that insists on payment
for services by wire transfers, gift cards or pre-paid debit cards. If someone demands
payment in one of these ways, it is probably a scam. Even if using a trusted company, BBB
recommends always paying with a credit card for the additional protections it provides in
case problems arise and you would like to dispute charges.
For more information visit BBB.org/BizHQ.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi business, corpus christi jobs, cybersecurity, hispanic chamber of commerce, Mortgages, North Padre Real Estate, padre island events, property taxes, Real Time MLS, Restaurants, Retail Tax, windstorm insurance

National Epilepsy Awareness Month

November 2, 2023 By

The month of November is recognized as National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. In
addition to this, 3.4 million Americans currently live with epilepsy. This means that epilepsy is
not rare and is actually more common than most people think. Since millions of Americans live
with epilepsy, it is important to understand the disease and how it affects people. National
Epilepsy Month is important because it is a time dedicated to learning about epilepsy and raising
awareness about the disease.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition in the brain that triggers seizures. As stated by the
Epilepsy Foundation, “doctors believe that seizures happen when a brain’s uncontrolled increase
of excess electrical activity obstructs its normal functions.” This means that a seizure causes a
short interruption to messages traveling back and forth within the brain. There are two types of
seizures. The first type of seizures are generalized seizures which affect both sides of the brain.
The other type of seizures are focal seizures which are located in just one area of the brain and
are also called partial seizures. A few symptoms of seizures are: temporary confusion, a staring
spell, stiff muscles, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of
consciousness or awareness, psychological symptoms such as fear, and anxiety or deja vu. Once
a person has had two seizures, they are diagnosed with epilepsy.
Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in about half the people with the condition. In the other
half, the condition may be traced to various factors, including: genetic influence, head trauma,

brain abnormalities, infections, prenatal injury, and developmental disorders such as autism.
Even though there is no distinguishable cause of epilepsy, there are a few risk factors for
someone to develop epilepsy. A few of the risk factors are: age, family history, head injuries,
stroke and other vascular diseases, dementia, brain infections, and seizures in childhood.
For more information about epilepsy, please visit the Epilepsy Foundation’s website
https://www.epilepsy.com/make-difference/public-awareness. Along with this, the CDC is a
fantastic resource to learn more about the risk factors and types of seizures associated with
epilepsy https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/index.html. Additionally, you can visit John Hopkins
Medicine to learn about the treatment options for epilepsy https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org.
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 part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Breast Cancer, chamber of commerce, Charities, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi business, corpus christi city council, cybersecurity, Eagle Ford Shale, home maintenance, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, North Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, property taxes, Retail Tax, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter

BBB Scam Alert: Paypal Impostors Steal Thousands from Texas Residents

October 27, 2023 By

amInnovations in payment processes have introduced a wide range of opportunities for
legitimate businesses to market their products and services to a broad audience. The
convenience and ease of peer-to-peer (P2P) payment applications provide a direct, cost-
effective method to receive funds from customers for businesses of any size. However,
unlike traditional financial institutions such as a bank or credit union, P2P apps do not have
a physical location its users can visit to talk directly with a representative, and the focus on
digital interactions provide an opportunity for scammers to impersonate representatives to
carry out a range of schemes. Recently, reports to BBB Scam Tracker from Texas residents
have brought a new PayPal impostor tactic to light. Using a high-tech approach, some
victims of this scam report losing over $80,000 under the assumption they are disputing an
unauthorized charge.

How the scam works:

Victims receive what appears to be a confirmation email from PayPal for an expensive
product, typically over at least $1,000. The email closely mimics a legitimate PayPal
confirmation, including the design, PayPal logo, order number, and shipping details from a
supposed supplier. In multiple places in the email, bolded or red text emphasizes a call-back
number to dispute the transaction. However, the phone number provided does not connect
the victim with PayPal but with an impostor that begins to guide them through the next
steps.

The impostor directs the victim to download and run a Reason ReFill Sound Bank File (RFL)
to reverse the pending charge. RFL files (e.g. FileName.rfl) are commonly used within the
music industry to compress and transfer samples, songs and patches. However, their use
also extends to storing databases or running virtual prototypes and simulations. The general
public’s unfamiliarity with the RFL file type assists the scammer by requiring the victim to
rely more heavily on their guidance, such as helping the victim to download a program that
can read and open an RFL file as opposed to more widely-used file extensions such as
Microsoft Word (e.g. FileName.docx) or Excel (e.g. FileName.xlsx).

After opening the file, the victim encounters a dashboard that appears to be designed to
handle their reimbursement request. Following the impostor’s directions, they input the total
cost of the transaction included in the invoice and their banking information. Although the
dashboard appears to be legitimate, it is designed not to recognize decimal points and
seems to credit the victim’s account with an excessive amount of money when submitted.
For example, a $1,999.99 pending charge becomes a $199,999.00 account credit. Using
fear or coercion, the scammer directs the victim to make wire transfers (or other
unprotected method) from the credited account to return the ‘excess’ funds. Often, they will
ask for the total payment to be provided through a series of smaller ones or claim they did
not receive a previous transfer. In either case, the victim is out the amount of money they
‘returned’ when the pending credit is detected as fake and removed from their account.
How to avoid

Verify PayPal purchase history and details using the official app or going directly
to the website. Avoid clicking on any links in the email itself that claim to direct you to
PayPal, as they may send you to a lookalike website instead. Be wary of phone numbers in
unsolicited emails, as they may connect you with an impostor.

Research the suppliers’ address. Scammers use well-known sellers in fake invoices and
often fabricate business addresses or use a residential address in their place. A quick
internet search of that address can help determine if it is a physical location associated with
the product supplier. For example, some email screenshots victims provided to BBB showed
an Amazon supplier located at a Farland Avenue address in San Antonio, Texas. A quick
internet search will find no Amazon supplier at the address and, even more telling, no street
in San Antonio named Farland Avenue.

Check the email address the invoice is coming from. Look at the domain and name of
the email address that sent the invoice. Official communications should come from an email
account associated with the business rather than a personal or generic domain. Be wary of
immediately trusting an email that uses an official email address as the Name of the
account, as these can be fake. The full email address is often included in parentheses,
brackets, or delimiters after the name.

Never reimburse excess funds through another payment method. Common in fake
check scams and fraudulent employers, be wary of returning overpaid funds provided via
one payment method through another. Scammers often ask for immediate reimbursement
before your financial institution can verify a pending transaction. As much as possible, avoid
returning excess money through immediate and direct methods such as gift cards, wire
transfers, and unprotected mobile app transactions. Scammers know that these methods
are fast and challenging to reverse.

Double-check the URL and domains. Scammers often switch around domains and
subdomains to impersonate a business. For example, they may change PayPal.com to
info.PayPal.com, Pay.Pal.com, PayPal.Returns.com, or any other variation. Additionally, links
in an email may direct you to a completely different URL than the one highlighted. Use only
known and trusted methods to communicate with businesses, such as their official mobile
app or typing the website's URL directly into your internet browser.
For more information about how to spot and avoid impostors and other scams, visit
BBB.org/AvoidScams.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, cybersecurity, property taxes, Retail Tax, Scam Alert

Breast Cancer Awareness 2023

October 3, 2023 By

Each year, the month of October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Spearheaded by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, this annual initiative serves to raise
awareness about breast cancer and offer support to those impacted by the disease. The National
Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 297,790 new cases of breast cancer in 2023. Breast
cancer is also the second most common cancer in women behind skin cancer. Furthermore, 1 in 8
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Given these statistics, I would like to use this
week’s article to share information about breast cancer risks and warning signs as well as the
important role cancer screenings and early detection play in fighting the disease.

Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells grow in the tissue of the breast. These cells
sometimes form into a tumor, which can be felt as a new lump or mass in the breast. While this
new lump, along with other unusual changes, may indicate the presence of cancerous cells,
breast cancer does not always present physical symptoms in the earliest stages of the disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, however, cancer found at an early stage – when it is
small and has not spread – is easier to treat. For this reason, screening exams, such as
mammograms, are key to finding cancers before they start to cause symptoms, known as early
detection.

Breast cancer screenings are recommended for all women beginning after the age of 40.
However, individuals with a higher risk of the disease may need to be screened earlier and more
often. There are several key factors that are used in determining a person’s risk level of
developing breast cancer, such as age, ethnicity, and family history. While some men, especially

those with a genetic history of the disease, have a risk of breast cancer, women represent 99
percent of all breast cancer cases and have a significantly higher risk of breast cancer than men.
In addition to this, the American Cancer Society states lifestyle also plays an important role in
determining a person’s risk level. These factors can include weight, alcohol and tobacco use,
physical activity level and diet.

To learn more about this important awareness month, you can visit the National Breast
Cancer Foundation website here: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org . More information about
the National Cancer Institute’s research can be found here: https://www.cancer.gov .
Additionally, for information about the different symptoms and risk factors for breast cancer,
please review the American Cancer Society’s guide here: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-
cancer/about/what-is-breast-cancer.html

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 part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Breast Cancer, home maintenance, Hurricane Relief, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter

BBB Scam Alert: How to spot a credit check scam when apartment shopping

September 25, 2023 By

Planning a move this summer? According to multiple BBB Scam Tracker reports, scammers
are using a new twist on fake rental ads to trick potential renters into compromising
sensitive personal information. While credit checks are a routine process many landlords
and rental companies use to evaluate potential renters, fraudulent rental listings are being
used to direct interested tenants to a website that requires personal information to run a
credit check. Unfortunately, the website is a data-mining operation that collects and sells
the information provided to the highest bidder, placing people who use it at an increased
risk of having their identity stolen.

Most often encountered while browsing rental listings online, scammers entice victims by
advertising a rental unit or home at prices significantly lower than what is typically found in
the area. They may claim to represent an established property company or an individual
landowner searching for trustworthy tenants. The listing often includes pictures, videos,
layouts, and other specifics that renters expect to see included in a rental advertisement.
Unfortunately, most of these pictures are either fabricated or stolen from a legitimate
listing, and the supposed landowner quickly disappears after the applicant submits their
information to the credit check website.

One consumer reported to BBB Scam Tracker they “gave my name, address and Social
Security Number to obtain my credit score from this website. I was asked to take a
screenshot of my score and send it to the same address that emailed me the link.
Afterward, I was sent an email with a showing time, but the house number was not listed on
this email or the listing on Craigslist.” All additional attempts to call and email the supposed
landowner went unanswered.

To avoid credit check rental scams, Better Business Bureau recommends renters:
Be wary of lower-than-usual prices. If the rent for an apartment or home is significantly
less than the going market rate for the area, consider it a red flag. Scammers often draw
people in with claims that sound too good to be true. Spend the time to compare the price
with other similar rental properties in the area to make an informed decision.
Do some research. Search the listing online through multiple sources using the associated
phone number, email address or physical address. If you find another listing for the same
property in a different city, you’ve spotted a scam. Reverse image searches can be helpful to
determine if the photos have been stolen from another listing, as well as searching for the
landowner’s name to check if anyone else has encountered a scam when interacting with
them.

Always see the property in person. Many rental scams involve listings for properties that
don’t exist, are vacant lots, or are for sale. Be very wary if the property owner refuses to
disclose the rental property's location before you complete a credit check or pay them a
deposit. If the address provided is for a house that has a ‘For Sale’ sign in the yard, be
cautious because you might not be in contact with the actual owners.
Verify the property owner’s information. Contact a licensed real estate agent to see
who owns a property or check the county’s property appraiser website. Ask the property
owner for a copy of their ID to verify they are who they claim to be before you offer
sensitive information like your Social Security Number for a credit check.

Be cautious about credit check websites. Scammers are well-versed in making websites
appear legitimate and often create fake testimonials and reviews. Use reputable sources to
prove credit history, such as AnnualCreditReport.com or consumer reporting companies
listed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
For more information about how to avoid scams while moving and renting,
visit BBB.org/Moving.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, COVID-19 Virus, cybersecurity, North Padre Island, Padre Island Business Association, padre island events, Padre Isles POA, property taxes, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September 4, 2023 By

The month of September is recognized as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. According
to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, ovarian cancer is rare since only 1.1% of women will
be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Yet, it is the number one cause of cancer-related death among
women. Additionally, in 2023 it is estimated that 19,710 women will be diagnosed with ovarian
cancer and of those diagnosed 13,270 women will die. Due to the mortality rate, it is important to
know about ovarian cancer so people can be educated about the risk factors along with the signs.
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is important because it is a time dedicated for
women and the public to gain knowledge about ovarian cancer. This is important because an
increase of public knowledge can lead to earlier diagnoses and hopefully lower the death rate.
Therefore, the purpose of this month is to raise awareness surrounding ovarian cancer which is
sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.” This is due to the fact that the symptoms of ovarian
cancer are very similar to other diseases which means women will overlook the signs and they
will not realize they should see a doctor and get tested. As a result of this, the diagnosis for
ovarian cancer is typically confirmed at a later stage. According to the National Ovarian Cancer
Coalition, only 20 percent of ovarian cancer is diagnosed in the early stages.
Since the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to other diseases, it is critical to know
what they are in order to get an early diagnosis. A few of the common symptoms for ovarian
cancer are persistent bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and pelvic or abdominal
pain. Along with these symptoms, the strongest risk factors include increasing age and family

history. Knowing the signs and risk factors of ovarian cancer is important because an early
diagnosis can be lifesaving.
For more information about ovarian cancer, please visit the National Ovarian Cancer
Coalition’s website. https://ovarian.org/about-ovarian-cancer/what-is-ovarian-cancer/
Along with this, radiologyinfo.org is a wonderful resource to learn more about ovarian
cancer, how to prevent it, and how it is diagnosed. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/psa_oc
Additionally, you can visit the American Association for Cancer Research to learn about
the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer. https://www.aacr.org/patients-
caregivers/awareness-months/ovarian-cancer-awareness-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 part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at
todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Charities, corpus christi jobs, Corpus Christi Schools, COVID-19 Virus, cybersecurity, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, North Padre Island, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter, Whitecap NPI

BBB Tip: Maintaining and servicing your HVAC System

August 3, 2023 By

Texas residents are no strangers to triple-digit temperatures during the summer months and
understand the importance of keeping cool during heatwaves. However, when the heat
arrives in force, many residents learn their current air conditioning systems cannot keep up
with demand. When indoor temperatures reach unbearable levels, consumers turn to
reputable HVAC contractors to help service their system or install a new one. Similarly to
hiring any other contractor to work on your home, Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds
consumers to research a chosen company before providing payment or signing a contract.

Purchasing and installing a new HVAC system

HVAC systems are one of the most significant energy consumers in a typical home, making
it important to ensure they work as efficiently as possible. Although the average HVAC
system should last 10-25 years, many must be replaced sooner if they have been
overworked by insufficient insulation and unsealed air leaks. Like other major household
appliances, the cost of an HVAC system includes three elements – the purchase price, the
cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate it.

Before purchasing a new unit, conduct an energy audit to help you detect energy waste,
gauge the efficiency of your current system, and determine if conditioned air is moving
correctly. Many utility companies offer free or low-cost energy audits, but you can hire a
specialist to do a more comprehensive audit. Hiring a specialist will most likely cost more
money, but their experience is often invaluable when purchasing new systems.

Take steps to weatherize your home to keep cold air in and hot air out, or vice versa in the
winter. Check the caulking, weather stripping around doors and windows, and wall and
ceiling insulation. Weatherizing your home may be all you need to help your air conditioning
unit maintain a cool temperature indoors and will help reduce energy demands. An
adequately weatherized home may also enable you to install a smaller, less expensive
system to achieve the same results.

Consider energy efficiency from the start of your decision-making process. All air
conditioning units must meet minimum energy efficiency standards set by the Department
of Energy, but many products exceed the standard resulting in less energy used to operate
and run the system. Check if your energy provider offers a cash rebate or tax break for
buying and using energy-efficient products and consider it when comparing the operating
costs of different systems.

After installing your new system, the contractor should provide at least one call-back service
free of charge to check it is operating correctly. Double-check that this service is included in
the written agreement. Many contractors also offer service contracts which often contain a
limited number of service calls per year and emergency repair service. If you decide to
participate in a service contract, be sure that it describes what parts and services are
provided. Compare the service contract with the manufacturer's warranty so you aren't
simply duplicating the coverage you already have.
 
HVAC maintenance and repair tips 

Keeping your system well-maintained will prolong its life and save you money. Spring or
early summer is the best time for servicing cooling systems, while summer or fall are the
ideal times for servicing your furnace. You can also do routine maintenance by replacing
disposable filters or cleaning permanent ones. Before calling an HVAC contractor, check your

system’s model and spend the time to understand the license and insurance requirements
for contractors. Find more information about licensing requirements and verify your
contractor has a valid license, as recognized by the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation, by searching the contractor’s name or license number at TDLR.Texas.gov.
Contractors that do not readily provide this information should be treated with caution.

If you need repairs, be sure to get multiple written estimates for the job. BBB recommends
obtaining an estimate from a minimum of three contractors before settling on a final
decision to help understand the standard price for the project and have an informed
discussion with a chosen contractor. Estimates should include a complete description of
additional work required to install or repair a system, including installing ducts, registers,
electric wiring, and any other work needed.

Find a trusted HVAC contractor near you at BBB.org and review more home maintenance
tips at BBB.org/HomeHQ.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, home maintenance, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, property taxes, Real Time MLS, rentals, Restaurants, Retail Tax, Scam Alert, Water Exchange Bridge, Whitecap Development Project

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

Home Sales Declining While Prices Soar to Record Highs

July 21, 2023 By

As the housing market struggles with a severe inventory constraint, existing-home sales continued to decline in June, while home buyers push up prices showing significant demand.

The most recent housing data from the National Association of REALTORS® shows that the median sale price of an existing property in June was $410,200, the second-highest amount ever seen in the previous 24 years. According to NAR data, the record high of $413,800 was achieved a year ago. According to Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the NAR, home sales decreased in June, while home prices remained stable across most of the nation. “Limited supply continues to encourage multiple offers, with one-third of homes selling for more than the asking price.”

Homes are moving quickly off the market: According to NAR data, 76% of houses that were sold in June were available for less than a month. There were only the market for an average of 18 days.

Despite Obstacles, Buyers Are Confident

The majority of Americans still seem eager to buy a home despite high home prices, high mortgage rates, and a lack of housing options. The most recent Mortgage Service Index from TD Bank shows that 54% of consumers believe that the moment is right to make a purchase. However, the survey also reveals that home buyers are anxious, listing inventories and mortgage rates as two of their top stresses.

The scarcity of available properties is an issue for prospective buyers of real estate: At 1.08 million units, the total housing inventory at the end of June remained historically low. According to data from NAR, inventory is down 13.6% from a year earlier. Yun claims that there aren’t enough houses available for purchase. “A doubling of inventory can be easily absorbed by the market.”

However, recent data from the Census Bureau reveal that new home construction was down last month and isn’t making up the difference. Following four consecutive months of growth, production of single-family homes fell by 7% annually in June. The National Association of Home Builders attributed a decline in homebuilding activity and worsening affordability conditions for purchasers to higher construction costs and rising mortgage rates.

Regional Breakdown

Sales varied across the country last month, with the Northeast posting gains, the Midwest holding steady, and the South and West reporting decreasing sales, NAR’s report shows. All four regions recorded year-over-year sales declines.

  • Northeast: Existing-home sales rose 2% month over month to an annual rate of 510,000 but are down 21.5% from a year ago. Median price: $475,300, up 4.9% from the prior year.
  • Midwest: Sales were unchanged from a month ago at an annual rate of 990,000, falling 19.5% from one year ago. Median price: $311,800, up 2.1% from June 2022.
  • South: Sales decreased 5.4% from May to an annual rate of 1.91 million, a decrease of 16.2% compared to the previous year. Median price: $366,600, down 1.2% from a year ago.
  • West: Sales fell 5.1% from the previous month to an annual rate of 750,000, down 22.7% from a year ago. Median price: $606,500, down 3.4% from June 2022.

Data sourced from NAR

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, home maintenance, Investment Property, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island, North Padre Island Marina, North Padre Real Estate, Real Time MLS, selling a home, Whitecap NPI Tagged With:

Ultraviolet Safety Month

July 3, 2023 By

July is designated as National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. According to the
American Cancer Society, individuals with a high level of exposure to UV rays from
the sun have an increased risk of skin cancer, which is the most prevalent type of
cancer in the country. It is important to note that despite these statistics, skin cancer is
also one of the most preventable forms of cancer and can be avoided by reducing one’s
exposure to UV radiation. As such, I would like to share some important information
on the necessary precautions to take in order to safeguard against the damaging effects
of UV radiation this summer as recommended by the United State Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS).

One of the most important ways to protect oneself from overexposure to UV
radiation is to understand the risks. While the sun emits UV rays no matter the season,
exposure is greatest during the summer months, which also coincides with a time of
increased outdoor activity for most people. As one of the most popular tourism
destinations in the state, this is especially true in our area as both locals and visitors
alike spend more time outside participating in recreational activities such as fishing,
kayaking and swimming. It is also important to note that the sun’s UV rays are
strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As such, HHS recommends seeking shade when
possible, during these hours to limit exposure.

Moreover, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the
strength of the sun’s UV rays can vary from day to day due to many factors such as
changes in the weather. Limiting outdoor activity during days when the UV Index
forecast is high can also help reduce one’s chance of overexposure. You can check the
UV Index forecast to understand the exposure risks in our area daily by visiting Sun
Safety – The UV Index.

In addition to understanding your risk of exposure to UV radiation, another way
to reduce instances of skin cancer is by wearing protective clothing such as long-
sleeved shirts and pants. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has also stated that UV
radiation is linked to many common vision issues such as cataracts. To protect against
damage from UV radiation, both the CDC and HHS recommend wearing broad-
brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.

According to American Cancer Society, wearing sunscreen is one of the most
important precautionary measures to take in avoiding overexposure to the sun’s
harmful UV rays. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends
generously applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to cover all exposed skin, which will
help protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The FDA
also recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) at a value of at
least 15. Sunscreen should be generously applied throughout the day, especially after
swimming and sweating.

This summer, I hope you will all join me in promoting UV safety by following
the recommendations outlined above. To learn more about the ways you can prevent
overexposure to UV radiation, please visit the HHS July UV Safety Month information
visit Fun and Breezy – Summer Safety Tips. To learn more about skin cancer,
including risk factors and early detection techniques, please visit American Cancer
Society.

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. 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 County (Part). He can be
contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, hispanic chamber of commerce, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Hanna, Hurricane Relief, mustang island, North Padre Island Marina, Padre Island Business Association, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, port aransas, Todd Hunter

National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month

June 23, 2023 By

Each year, the month of June is designated as National Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) Awareness Month. This awareness month began as a way to educate communities about
PTSD and provide support and resources to those individuals living with this condition. PTSD is
a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of a life-threatening
event such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, or serious accidents. People
who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, have
difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged. These symptoms can be severe and can last
long enough to significantly impair the person’s daily life. An estimated 6 percent of Americans
will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran
Affairs, around 4% of men will develop PTSD while 8% of women will develop PTSD which
means women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD.

It is important to recognize that PTSD can affect people from all walks of life and all age
groups. However, our military personnel are disproportionately affected due to their exposure to
potentially traumatic events during combat. Consequently, the US Veterans Administration (VA)
created the National Center for PTSD to advance the clinical care and social welfare of
America’s Veterans and others who have experienced trauma, or who suffer from PTSD, through
research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders.

For more information on the VA’s PTSD Center, you can visit
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp.

Another great organization that provides support to our Veterans is the PTSD Foundation
of America. This non-profit organization is dedicated to mentoring combat veterans and their
families with post-traumatic stress. An important resource they provide is Camp Hope: Interim
Housing for Veterans. Camp Hope opened in 2012 and is in Houston, TX. In addition to
temporary housing, Camp Hope offers a 90+ day PTSD recovery program in which residents:
attend group lessons and support sessions with other combat veterans; conduct individual
mentoring sessions with certified combat trauma mentors; participate in off-site small group
interaction activities (fishing, hiking, local activities and events); and get involved with local
churches, businesses and volunteer organizations to assist in their personal healing and educating
the community on the invisible wounds of war. To learn more about this great program, you can
visit https://ptsdusa.org/camp-hope/

It is important to raise awareness for everyone with PTSD to know the treatment options.
We can make a difference in the lives of everyone who has experienced trauma. There is a
Veterans Crisis Line, which can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, then, press 1. For more resources
visit https://www.tvc.texas.gov/mental-health/

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 County (Part). He can be contacted
at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, cybersecurity, Investment Property, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter

2023 Home Improvement Tips

May 25, 2023 By

Create a Budget.  Most home improvement projects end up being over budget by 10%. To avoid costly surprises during the process of improving your home, be sure to reserve 10-15% of your budget to cover unknown expenses.

Get Multiple Estimates.  It’s important to meet with at least three contractors and request detailed estimates in writing from each. Be sure to walk with them through your home to show them the exact project for the most accurate estimate.

Contact References.  One of the most important steps in the home improvement process is contacting a contractor’s references. The best way to avoid disappointing or unfinished work in your home is to contact references and ask if the contractor performed quality work on time and within budget. Did any issues arise, and if so, how were they taken care of?

Check With BBB.  Always search for a contractor or home improvement business at bbb.org to find out important business information, read reviews or complaints, and make sure they’re a legitimate business. Don’t forget to check the licenses and registration status of any contractor you hire to do work in your home.

Review the Contract.  Make sure the contract is written, dated, and signed by both you and the contractor. Be sure the contractor provides the start date and the date of “substantial completion.” The contract must provide a detailed description of the work to be done and materials involved. Laws vary between states so be sure to review what is legally required to be in your contract per your state.

Verify Insurance.  Ask for the contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage sheet proving the insurance is in place, as well as the coverage page for the Commercial General Liability policy (CGL). Request that the contractor add you as an additional insured on the policy to protect you if a worker injures himself on your property.

Check the Permits.  Always check to make sure the contractor has obtained all building, plumbing and electrical permits required. If a contractor avoids pulling the permits himself, this is a major red flag.

Stay Up-To-Date.  If any changes arise that involve an increase in cost or change in work, ask the contractor for a “change order” to fill out and sign. It should provide the original contract price, a detailed description of the new work, its cost, and the updated total, signed and dated by both parties.

Red Flags

Door-to-Door Contractors.  If a contractor appears on your doorstep and claims they are doing work in your neighborhood or they have “extra materials,” it’s best to decline any offer for work. Reliable businesses will give you time to do your research before committing.

Pulling Permits.  If a contractor asks that you pull the permit for your home improvement project, it may be a red flag that the contractor isn’t properly bonded and insured. Legitimate contractors are responsible for getting all required permits for the job.

Payment Upfront.  If a contractor asks for payment upfront, this is a major red flag. Never pay a contractor in cash, use a credit card or check. A trustworthy contractor should accept a payment plan of one-third upfront, one-third halfway through completion, and one-third when the project has been successfully completed.

Using a Lender.  If a contractor pressures you into using his preferred lender, this is typically a red flag. If you need to take a loan out to pay for the project, research lenders on your own and be sure to review interest fees, terms of agreement, and more.

Inaccessible. If you can’t verify the contractor’s contact information, location, or credentials, this is a major red flag. You should be able to find information online about the contractor, his business, and his contact information.

Article Published via Better Business Bureau 

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, corpus christi business, Local Schools, North Padre Island, Scam Alert, selling a home, windstorm insurance

National Mental Health Awareness Month

May 2, 2023 By

Each year, May is designated as National Mental Health Awareness Month. This
awareness month began to educate communities about mental health conditions and provide
support along with resources to those individuals living with mental illness. Millions across the
country are affected by mental illness each year. According to the Texas Statewide Behavioral
Health Coordinating Council, over 3.3 million adults in Texas are living with a mental illness.
Furthermore, more than half of the adults in Texas who need mental health treatment do not
receive any. Unfortunately, children are affected by mental illness as well. According to the
Texas Health & Human Services Commission, one out of four children will have a mental illness
during childhood. Therefore, breaking down the stigma attached to mental illness through
education and outreach is a key goal of National Mental Health Awareness Month.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a mental illness is a
condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood. Mental health conditions
are far more common and come in many different forms. As a result of this, it is important to
look for common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents. To learn more about the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and find more
information about mental health conditions, please visit SAMHSA. For more resources please
visit the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. For more mental health resources in
Texas, visit Mental Health Texas.

In Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) contracts with Local Mental
Health Authorities (LMHAs) across the state to provide mental health services to communities.
The Nueces Center for Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities delivers mental health services
to those who live in Nueces County. You can learn more by visiting https://www.ncmhid.org/.
Additionally, you can visit the Coastal Plains Community Center, which provides mental health
services in Aransas County.
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 County (Part). He can be contacted
at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: Barefoot Mardi Gras, BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, corpus christi, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, North Padre Island Marina, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter

Scam Alert: Home title fraud

April 27, 2023 By

Home title fraud happens when someone obtains the title to your property and changes ownership from your information to theirs.  The scary part is, you may not even realize it has happened until it’s too late.

How the Scam Works:

Scammers will choose a house, sometimes a second home, rental or vacant house. They then gather your personal information from the internet or elsewhere, and take over your identity to assume the role of property owner or claim to represent you.  They file the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership of your property to themselves, using forged signatures and fake identification. They then sell the home or borrow against the equity.  You might not even know this has happened until a lender starts to send letters of foreclosure on your home due to failure to make payments.

Protect Yourself Against This Scam:

  • Be careful with your personal information. Treat your personal information like the valuable commodity it is. Make sure you shred any documents that have your bank account information, Social Security/Social Insurance number, or other personal information. Be suspicious of any unsolicited communication asking for personal information.
  • Check your credit reports regularly for unauthorized inquiries and accounts. In the U.S., you have the right to check your credit report with each of the three major credit bureaus once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only free crediting reporting service authorized by the Federal Trade Commission. Space these checks out across the year, and you will know fairly quickly if something is wrong. In Canada, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada provides information on requesting a free credit report.
  • Look for unexplained withdrawals, charges, and accounts. Review your bank account and credit card statements regularly. Look for unfamiliar charges, accounts, or withdrawals. Know when your bills are due; one tip-off for identity theft is when you stop receiving certain bills. This can happen because scammers have changed the address associated with your bank account or credit card. If bills don’t arrive on time, follow up with your creditors. Debt collectors may call you about debts that aren’t yours. You can also set up automatic alerts on your accounts so you are notified every time a transaction is made.
  • Check with your local recorder of deeds. Look for deeds that you or anyone representing you did not prepare or sign, periodically.  Make sure they have the correct mailing address for you.  Some counties provide consumer notification services any time a document is recorded on your property.

If your identity has been stolen:

  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that you create an ID theft report, if your ID is stolen. This report will help you deal with the credit reporting agencies and companies that extended credit to the identity thief using your name. First, report the crime to the FTC and print a copy of the details. Contact FTC at 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or Identitytheft.gov.
  • File a report with local law enforcement. Keep all records of your case, police reports and supporting documents; these may be needed by credit card companies or banks to prove innocence.
  • File a report with the FBI: Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov.
  • Place a “fraud alert” or “freeze” on your credit reports.Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Let them know you’ve been a victim of identity theft and ask questions—including what protection is provided and if there are any costs—to determine whether a fraud alert or freeze is best for your situation.
  • Notify all credit grantors and financial institutions.Check the status on existing accounts, as they may have been jeopardized. Find out if there is any unauthorized activity or new accounts have been fraudulently opened in your name. You may be advised to close some or all of your accounts. Create new passwords and change your PINs.

Read more about housing scams in BBB’s Scam Alert on Foreclosure Rescue Scams.

If you encounter a scam, we ask that you report it to our BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org/scamtracker, and you can learn more about common scams at BBB.org/scamtips.

Sign up for BBB Scam Alerts.

Read more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.

Better Business Bureau Serving Acadiana contributed to this article.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi jobs, Investment Property, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, windstorm insurance

PADRE ISLAND HOUSING REPORT – MARCH 2023

April 14, 2023 By

Corpus Christi Association of Realtors has posted the Padre Island Housing Report for March 2023. Our active listing median prices continue to rise the past month to $425,000 this past month which is 7.3& above where it was compared to last March at this time!
CCAR shows us the data that significantly rising for active listings by 54.6% with a total of 153 properties this past month while inventory Has risen at 3.1 compared to 1.8 last year during the month of March.

Days on the market for sale are steady from last month with an average of 79 days and the highest category for sales with 34.0% of all the sales being priced between $300,000 – $399,999. The market is keeping pace as we move deeper into Spring. The consumer price index eased to 5% in March 2023 on an annual basis, down from 6% in February, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation report. The FED still showing signs of inflation that is slowing a bit now. The Spring Housing market is well underway, and we are anticipating a very 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 March 2023 Data (Click Pic below for Larger Image)

padre-island-housing-report-february-2023

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Investment Property, Mortgages, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island, property taxes, Real Time MLS, realtors, selling a home, spring cleaning, Whitecap Development Project

Unclaimed Property

March 27, 2023 By

Texas is currently holding about $7 billion in cash and other valuables waiting for their
rightful owners to claim. The Texas Comptroller estimates that one in four residents of the State
of Texas has unclaimed property. Examples of unclaimed property include dividend, payroll, or
cashier’s checks; stocks, bonds, and mutual fund accounts; utility deposits and other refunds;
insurance proceeds; mineral interest or royalty payments; dormant bank accounts; and
abandoned safe deposit box contents.

The Texas Comptroller’s office receives unclaimed property as required by law from
financial institutions, businesses, and government entities that are holding personal property
which is considered abandoned or unclaimed. The unclaimed or abandoned property is turned
over to the Comptroller’s office when the property owners’ whereabouts are unknown, and the
property has been inactive on the books of the reporting company after the necessary
abandonment period has expired. It is important to know that the Comptroller’s office acts only
as a custodian of the unclaimed property and holds the property in trust until such time as it can
be claimed. Texas does not take legal ownership of unclaimed property, so there is no time
limit for filing a claim.

Over the past several years, the Texas Comptroller has traveled around the state to bring
public attention to the billions in unclaimed property being held by the State of Texas. In fiscal
year 2022, the agency paid a record $309 million in claims. This is important because since the
unclaimed property program began, the Comptroller’s office returned more than $4 billion worth
of unclaimed property.

In order to make the process of claiming your property easier, the Comptroller’s office
has outlined a number of recent features on their website to help enable the process. The website
is regularly updated with new property that has been received by their office. To find out if you
are one of these Texas residents with unclaimed property, I strongly recommend that you check
the unclaimed property list by visiting Texas Unclaimed Property at https://claimittexas.org/ or
by calling 800-321-2274 (CASH).

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: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, corpus christi, Hurricane Relief, Packery Channel, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter

BBB Tip: Top 5 Coastal Bend-area scams of 2022

March 12, 2023 By

In 2022, Coastal Bend-area consumers and businesses reported multiple scams to BBB,
totaling $30,000 lost for the year. Across Texas, BBB received an average of 250 scam
reports per month totaling $1.9 million lost for the year. While the tactics of scammers
often shift to take advantage of marketplace trends, online shopping, employment and
phishing scams are the most common types of scams reported to BBB from Texas residents,
accounting for 49% of all scams submitted to the organization for the year.

To help Coastal Bend-area residents avoid scams in 2023, BBB analyzed scam reports
submitted by consumers with local zip codes to determine the top five prevailing scams in
2022 and provides a few tips on how to avoid them moving into the new year
Online Purchase
Share of reports: 22%
Amount lost: $9,795

Online purchase scams in Coastal Bend vary across a wide range of products, with some
consumers losing over $1,000 on a single interaction. Online pet scams are particularly
impactful in the area, with residents encountering fraudulent sellers when attempting to
purchase Dachshunds, Corgis and Goldendoodles. In most cases, buyers are directed to
send payment through an online payment system such as Zelle or PayPal. Other items
residents attempted to purchase include ammunition, clothes and automotive parts.

To avoid online purchase scams, BBB recommends:
 Avoid too-good-to-be-true deals.
 Use credit cards for online transactions.
 Look up reviews on other websites.
 Check and verify there are multiple methods of contact such as a working telephone
number and a real physical address.
Employment
Share of reports: 12%
Amount lost: $4,950

Employment scams often impersonate well-known and reputable businesses when
contacting their victims. While these scams do not often result in a loss of money, the
sensitive information provided to a potential employer places the applicant at an increased
risk of experiencing identity theft. Scammers often entice applicants for the position by
offering high wages, flexible hours and remote working opportunities. They often claim they
will pay for the applicant to purchase materials to set up their home office or other work-
related expenses. In the Coastal Bend area, most reports revolve around car wrap, package
reshipment or clerical and data entry positions.

To avoid employment scams, BBB recommends:
 Beware of unsolicited or immediate job offers and rushed interview processes.
 Insist on communicating with the hiring manager outside of email or text.
 Verify the position is open by checking the official job board for the company.
 Do not deposit suspicious or overpaid checks, and do not send money back due to
overpayment through gift cards, a wire transfer or other nontraditional methods.
Sweepstakes/Prize/Lottery
Share of reports: 6%
Amount lost: $106

Recently, reports of sweepstakes, prize and lottery scams revolve around supposed winners
of the Texas, national or other state’s lottery offering some of their winnings to strangers
using ‘pay-it-forward’ messaging. To claim the winnings, the recipient is directed to a
website where they input personal information so a check can be mailed to them. Other
versions of this scam reported in the Coastal Bend area include free products, such as
construction equipment or other gifts, in exchange for taking a survey, as well as free travel
packages. Victims who provide money do so under the impression they are paying for taxes,
processing or other fees – something a legitimate sweepstakes company does not require.

To avoid sweepstakes, prize or lottery scams, BBB recommends:
 Do not provide any payment for a supposedly ‘free’ gift.
 Be especially wary of any emails from a lottery winner who is dividing their winnings
across multiple people.
 It is uncommon to be selected as the winner of a sweepstakes that you did not
enter. Verify how you were entered into the drawing and how they obtained your
contact information.
 It is unlikely to be awarded a high-end or expensive item for taking a single survey.
Trust your instincts and avoid too-good-to-be-true offers.
Counterfeit Product
Share of reports: 4%
Amount lost: $227

Fraudulent and unethical businesses often capitalize on the popularity of name-brand items
by offering products similar in appearance or name. When the item is received, the buyer is
often left with an item that is of significantly less quality than expected and may not even
appear the same as what was pictured in the advertisement. Some of the most
counterfeited brands include Nike, Beats, LEGO, NFL and Tiffany jewelry. One Coastal Bend
resident reported receiving an obvious counterfeit item when attempting to purchase
Seresto flea and tick collars online.

To avoid counterfeit products, BBB recommends:
 Be cautious of name-brand products advertised at a fraction of their typical price at
an authorized retailer.
 Pay close attention to the name of the product. For example, Beats by Dr. Dre is not
the same as Beats by Dre.
 Beware of look-alike websites and double-check the URL domain and subdomain are
accurate. Scammers often switch these to confuse buyers.
 Read product reviews and research the business on multiple sources. Keep in mind
that product testimonials on a business’s website can be fabricated.
Phishing
Share of reports: 4%
Amount lost: $600

Phishing scams are one of the oldest and most adaptable strategies used to obtain sensitive
information from businesses and consumers. Often, these manifest as emails or texts from
someone claiming to represent the fraud prevention department for a well-known company
such as Amazon, Netflix or your local bank or utility company. They will often direct you to a
link or website to verify your account details, but in reality, that information is being
collected for their own purposes. Phishing scams continue to become more sophisticated
and often include look-alike websites that makes detecting them even more challenging. In
the Coastal Bend area, the most common businesses used in a phishing scam include USPS
and local banks.

To avoid phishing scams, BBB recommends:
 Avoid clicking on any links provided in email and text.
 Verify account security by going directly to the official website or using an official
app.
 Understand company or agency policies regarding what personal information they
will ask for over email or phone.
 Remain calm when contacted about a potential account compromise and be wary of
claims threatening immediate arrest, additional fines or impacts on your credit.
If you have been a victim of a scam, report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Information
provided may prevent another person

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, cybersecurity, New Homes Padre Island, property taxes, Scam Alert, spring cleaning

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

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

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

National Diabetes Awareness Month

November 4, 2022 By

Every year the month of November is recognized as Diabetes Awareness Month. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness regarding the disease since millions of Americans live with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 37.3 million Americans have diabetes. Additionally, 96 million people are categorized as pre-diabetic which is a condition where glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be considered diabetes. This is an important month to learn about diabetes due to the high number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes.

The objective of Diabetes Awareness Month is to increase public knowledge of diabetes. There are two types of diabetes. The first is Type 1 which accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes and is typically diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin. The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is generally thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and an immune system disorder that affects insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes are generally required to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and take insulin daily to survive. The other form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes which is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops over time and occurs when the body becomes insulin resistant, meaning it is unable to process insulin properly.

Currently, there is no cure for diabetes. However, Type 2 diabetes can be manageable and, in some instances, preventable. According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 2 diabetes can be managed by taking prescription medicines, following a healthy eating plan, reducing tobacco use, and exercising to ensure blood sugar levels are kept within a healthy range. Similarly, those who are pre-diabetic or who are at a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can delay or even prevent the onset of the disease by making changes towards living a healthier lifestyle.

For more information about diabetes, please visit the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org.

Additionally, you visit the Texas Department of State Health Services to learn more about treatments for diabetes https://www.dshs.texas.gov/txdiabetes/.

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 part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.

Filed Under: BeachWalk Development, Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, realtors, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance

BBB Tip: Donating wisely during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 24, 2022 By

Every October, countries worldwide observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, focused on
increasing support and awareness of the most common cancer affecting women worldwide.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), breast cancer is the most common
cancer affecting women in the United States. In Texas, more than 19,000 new breast cancer
cases were diagnosed in 2019.

While medical advancements have continued to increase the survivability of those suffering
from breast cancer in high-income countries to a five-year survival rate of 90%, inequalities
in early detection, access and quality of care have resulted in a 66% survival rate in India
and a 40% rate in South Africa, according to the World Health Organization. Much work
remains to advance research efforts to find a cure and increase survivability worldwide, and
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to raise funds for the cause.

There are countless ways to contribute, and consumers help raise millions of dollars each
year, often by purchasing “pink ribbon” items. Many donors also contribute directly to a
charity focused on breast cancer. However, just because a charity is advertising that
proceeds benefit breast cancer research or awareness does not automatically mean you are
donating wisely. When deciding which charity to donate to, be sure to ask critical questions
such as:

 How much money goes to breast cancer programs and services?
 What breast cancer programs or services are supported by the organization?
 Is the money being used for breast cancer awareness, treatment or research?

If awareness, what are the efforts made to raise awareness, and to what effect? If
research, what aspects of breast cancer are being researched, and how are the
findings contributing to ending breast cancer? What is the charity doing to assist the
medical professionals treating those who have breast cancer?
BBB recommends exercising caution when choosing a charity to support and offers the
following tips from BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance:

Shop smart. Some companies donate a portion of the sale of specific items designated with
pink ribbons or packaging. When shopping for “pink ribbon” items, see if the promotion is
transparent about which charity it will benefit and how much of the purchase will be
donated. Watch out for vague claims of proceeds benefiting unspecified charities.

Check the charity. Charities accredited with BBB Wise Giving Alliance meet the 20 BBB
Charity Standards. If you are considering donating to a charity that is unfamiliar to you, go
to Give.org to view its charity report or find trustworthy organizations. When researching a
charity, pay close attention to its name, as some questionable charities may use names
similar to those of established organizations.

Participate carefully. Some charities host fundraising events in addition to marketing
promotions. If this interests you, gather all the important information before signing up. Is
there a participation fee or are you required to sign up a minimum number of sponsors? Is
the event being hosted in person or virtual? Always research the charity or group organizing
the event before you register.

Take action. If your preferred charity is not holding any events or promotions during
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, contact them directly to see how you can volunteer or
donate on your own time. Every type of contribution helps!
To view charity reports and find more wise giving tips, visit Give.org.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Charities, COVID-19 Virus, cybersecurity, property taxes, Scam Alert, windstorm insurance

BBB Business Tip: 7 ways small business owners can cope with inflation

August 5, 2022 By

U.S. consumers are experiencing the most significant 12-month increase in prices since
1981, and many small business owners are feeling the pressure. With the inflation rate
hovering around 8%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Consumer Price Index,
many small business owners are experiencing increased costs to conduct business and
shrinking profit margins. Desperate to remain profitable, entrepreneurs are looking at how
they can cut costs or raise prices without scaring off their customers.
High inflation rates are driven mainly by significant increases in food, shelter and gas prices.
Increased energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages add to a business
owner’s expenses. With so many cost increases, what can small businesses do? BBB
recommends the following to minimize the impact of inflation on your business.
Ways your small business can cope with inflation.

  1. Reduce your expenses. Be intentional about where your business is spending its
    money. This means reviewing your current spending and determining if it aligns with
    your strategy. If employees are wasting office supplies or delivery drivers are taking
    the scenic route, address the issue. Be sure to assess the revenue being brought in
    by your online advertising strategy and make adjustments if it isn’t providing value.
  2. Stock up on necessary supplies. If there are items you know you’ll use in the
    year ahead, buy as much as you can now. You may get bulk discounts, and you can
    minimize the impact of future price increases. Stocking up on supplies will allow you
    to avoid passing on increased costs to your customers in case prices continue to
    grow.
  3. Have multiple suppliers. Having one supplier for every item your company needs
    makes sourcing simple and helps develop strong relationships with vendors.
    However, if you have numerous suppliers, you’ll have options if one can’t get you
    what you need or their prices increase.
  4. Evaluate your products and services. Identify what products and services are the
    most profitable. Remember that consumers might be open to lower-priced options to
    maintain their own budget. They also may be interested in paying more for items
    and services that make a stressful time more manageable. Consider temporarily
    cutting services or expenses to better focus on what generates the best results.
  5. Raise prices wisely. If you must raise your prices to compensate for inflation, do
    so wisely. Don’t increase your prices so much that it causes many of your customers
    to purchase from your competitors. Instead, raise your prices just enough to offset
    the impact of inflation and ensure that you can keep your small business profitable.
    Also, don’t be sneaky about pricing by resorting to drip pricing or hidden fees.
    Instead, be transparent. Let customers know about the increase and help them
    understand why.
  6. Prioritize customer service. When consumers know you care about their
    satisfaction, they’re more likely to do business with you, even if you must raise
    prices. Don’t skimp on service by being understaffed. If you don’t have the budget
    for a full-time employee, look into freelancers and part-time staff.
  7. Use technology. Artificial intelligence, automation and self-serve customer options
    can reduce costs and take pressure off existing staff in an already tight labor market.
    Take the time to research technology that you could implement in your business to
    help reduce costs and maximize efficiency.
Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, chamber of commerce, hispanic chamber of commerce, home maintenance, Investment Property, padre island events, Real Time MLS, rentals, spring cleaning

The Month Of June Is Alzheimer’s And Brain Awareness Month

June 8, 2022 By

This year, the month of June has been designated as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. When people think of being healthy, generally we think of our external physical health. However, officials with the Alzheimer’s Association want to remind everyone that mental health is just as important. Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month began as a way to bring attention to different brain diseases, educate communities about their effects, and provide support to those individuals and families struggling with this condition.

Brain disorders come in several forms. Dementia is the general term used to describe a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia as it accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases and is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information. This is because Alzheimer’s changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer’s advances through the brain, it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering things. However, serious memory loss, confusion, and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing.

People with memory loss or other possible signs of Alzheimer’s may find it hard to recognize they have a problem. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends. If you have noticed these symptoms with your loved ones, help is available. The Alzheimer’s Association is a great source of information and has many tools to help. You can visit their website here: https://www.alz.org/ They also have a 24-hour helpline that can be used to access reliable information and support. Their phone number is: 1-800-272-3900.

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 3

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

 

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, hispanic chamber of commerce, Hurricane Relief, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, Water Exchange Bridge, windstorm insurance

Media Advisor – Mayor Proclamation National Small Business Week

May 2, 2022 By

Media Advisory

WHAT:

Mayoral proclamation establishing the annual recognition of National Small Business Week in the City of Corpus Christi from May 2 thru May 6.

WHY:

America’s 30 million small businesses support our economy by representing half of all private sector jobs, payroll and output in the United States. Additionally, a diversity in leadership, vision, experience and perspectives is demonstrated by 30% of small businesses being women-owned, 29% being minority-owned and nearly 10% being veteran-owned.

WHO:   

Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo

United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce President and CEO John LaRue

Better Business Bureau Regional Director Katie Galan

WHERE:

United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, 602 N. Staples Street, Third Floor Board Room, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401.

WHEN:

Mayor Guajardo is expected to begin the proclamation at 9:30 a.m. on May 6, 2022.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, corpus christi jobs, Corpus Christi Schools, cybersecurity, home maintenance, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, property taxes

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

BBB Business: Cybersecurity Tips

March 17, 2022 By

BBB Business Tip: The top 5 cybersecurity practices every small business needs to do now

Cybercrime is a big problem for small businesses, and it’s only getting worse. According to McAfee Enterprise and FireEye’s latest report, Cybercrime in a Pandemic World: The Impact of COVID-19, 81% of global organizations have experienced increased cyber threats since the onset of the pandemic, and in 2020, the cost of cybercrimes reached approximately $4.2 billion, with small businesses being a popular target.

Another study revealed that 88% of small business owners felt their businesses was vulnerable to a cyberattack, stating they didn’t believe they had enough resources to protect themselves adequately.

The good news? You can take measures to protect your small business, and you should do so promptly.

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise

According to recent research from Accenture, companies experienced an average of 270 cyberattacks in 2021, a 31% increase from 2020. Of these 270 attacks, which included unauthorized access of data, applications, services, networks, or devices, 29 were successful, compared to an average of 22 successful attacks in 2020.

These numbers reflect the broader trend of an increasingly unsafe world. As technology advances and becomes more interconnected, cyberattacks are becoming more difficult to defend against, resulting in more and more small businesses becoming the victims of cybercrime.

Some of the trending cybersecurity concerns that experts say to be aware of in 2022 include:

  • Ransomware
  • Security holes in cloud-based systems, like email and online platforms
  • Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)
  • High-profile IoT (internet of things) hacks
  • Increased attacks on work-from-home computers/networks due to unpatched systems and architecture weaknesses
  • Social-engineering scams
  • Increased attacks on organizations’ supply chains

The only way to protect your small business from cybercrime is to take preventative action. Cybersecurity is no longer an option – it’s a necessity. It’s time to gather your team and develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for your small business.

Five cybersecurity practices every small business needs to follow 

Cyberattacks are a constant threat to businesses of all sizes. Small businesses are particularly susceptible to data breaches and cyberattacks because they are not always equipped with the proper tools and resources to combat these threats. However, there are still some valuable steps you can take to protect your business. Here are five cybersecurity practices every small business should implement right away:

Train all employees in cybersecurity best practices

One of the most critical security measures for small businesses is training all employees on the best cybersecurity practices. This ensures that your employees understand the risks associated with accessing company data and systems, and it provides them with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect themselves from cybercrime.

To effectively educate your employees, provide them with clear cybersecurity policies that outline the risks, the defenses in place and the steps they can take to protect themselves. You can also offer formal cybersecurity training programs to ensure they are up to date on the latest threats and solutions.

Implement role-based access control (RBAC)

One of the most effective ways to protect your data and systems from cyberattacks is implementing role-based access control (RBAC). RBAC allows you to assign specific permissions to different employees based on their role in the company, controlling who has access to what data.

For instance, you can grant certain employees access to the company’s email system, and grant others access to the company’s digital sales platform. This ensures that employees only have access to the systems and data required to do their job.

This also prevents employees from accessing sensitive data that they don’t need, which reduces their risk of becoming a victim of data theft.

Initiate automated remote backup and data recovery

Protecting data is one of the most crucial cybersecurity practices for small businesses. One of the best ways to protect your data from cyberattacks is by initiating automated remote backup and data recovery, which allows you to store an extra copy of your data offsite in a secure location.

An automated remote backup and data recovery solution not only safeguards your data from cyberattacks, but it also provides you with the ability to restore your data in the event of a data breach.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA requires users to provide additional information to prove their identity when accessing company data and systems beyond just their username and password. This additional information may include a code texted to your mobile device, a thumbprint, etc.

MFA makes it significantly more difficult for cybercriminals to access your data and systems, providing an added layer of security if a cybercriminal circumvents your password. While MFA used to stop at two-factor authentication, it now typically involves several steps to ensure the person trying to gain access is who they claim to be.

Secure your Wi-Fi networks

Finally, one of the most crucial cybersecurity practices for small businesses is properly securing your Wi-Fi networks to ensure your employees are connecting to a safe network when they access the internet through your business.

You can secure your Wi-Fi networks by using a VPN to encrypt internet traffic that passes through, using a firewall to block cybercriminals and using a host intrusion prevention system (HIPS) to detect and block cyberattacks.

For more tips on how to maximize small business cybersecurity, visit BBB.org/Cybersecurity.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, COVID-19 Virus, cybersecurity, property taxes, Real Time MLS, Retail Tax, Scam Alert

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

Human Trafficking Awareness 2022

January 6, 2022 By

The month of January serves as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Governor Abbott has proclaimed January 2022 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. During this month, advocates, organizations, and individuals unite to raise awareness about this very important issue. According to the Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking is “modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” Human trafficking is not the same as human smuggling, which involves the illegal transportation of a person across a border. Victims of human trafficking are of all genders, ages, races, countries, socioeconomic statuses, and so on. While human trafficking can happen to anyone, people who are already in vulnerable situations – such as people experiencing homelessness – may be more likely to be targeted.

Human trafficking is often thought to be an international issue, however, this crime exists in all fifty states within the United States. Human trafficking has become the second-largest criminal activity/industry in the US and generates billions of dollars in illegal profits annually. According to the Human Trafficking Institute, 22,326 people were identified as victims or survivors of human trafficking in 2019. In addition to this, The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported that in 2019 over 11,500 human trafficking cases were reported in the U.S. Approximately 1,080 of these cases were reported from within Texas. It is crucial to continue to be proactive and increase our partnerships and collaborations with organizations or governmental entities locally and throughout our nation to stop this activity and bring awareness to this issue.

In order to prevent human trafficking, we must expand our knowledge of the issue.  Understanding what human trafficking is and how to recognize it is essential.  Some resources to review are the Polaris Project https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking and the Blue Campaign https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign. To research statistics and other facts about human trafficking in Texas, visit the Texas Human Trafficking Task Force Reports https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/initiatives/human-trafficking.

The Texas Legislature continues to work diligently to introduce legislation to combat this industry. For this reason, the current anti-human trafficking laws were reviewed and revised throughout the most recent Legislative Session to ensure the prosecution of these criminals continues and stops others from being involved in these activities. The goal is to create laws that stop, prevent, and end the human trafficking epidemic.

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 Nueces County (Part).  He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, COVID-19 Virus, Eagle Ford Shale, Hurricane Relief, Padre Island Business Association, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter

8 Surprising Facts About Identity Theft

November 19, 2021 By

BBB Tips:

Communication, work, school, shopping and even doctor’s visits have undergone massive digital transformations in the past year. Identity thieves are evolving right alongside us to better exploit victims in an increasingly digital world. The result is a sharp rise in both the number of fraud incidents and the amount of money lost ($712 billion in 2020 according to the Aite Group).

Check out these eight facts illustrating the scale of the identity theft crisis. Then, assess your risk and craft a plan to protect your identity.

  1. Fraud and identity theft rose by 45% from 2019 to 2020.

Life changed dramatically last year. Confusion over the COVID-19 pandemic collided with rapid transitions to remote work and learning. At the same time, many consumers lost jobs and loved ones. Together, these factors contributed to a sharp rise in scams, fraud and identity theft–nearly doubling the number of identity theft reports consumers submitted to the FTC in 2019.

  1. 29% of all reports submitted to the FTC were about identity theft.

Consumers nationwide submitted 1.4 million reports of identity theft to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network. Identity theft was the most reported incident, topping common scam types like impostor and online purchase scams.

  1. Reports of thieves taking over accounts have increased 72% since 2019.

As more services shift online, consumers’ private information shifts as well. One consequence is a rise in data breaches for businesses and account takeovers for consumers. A study by Javelin Strategy & Research discovered that not only are account takeovers growing, they also have a higher risk of financial loss.

  1. Millennials are now the most common target for identity theft.

Consumers between the ages of 30 to 39 made up the largest share of reported identity theft victims in 2020, and they remain the most common reporters of identity theft so far this year as well.

  1. 23,651 identity theft incidents affected people below the age of 19.

Unfortunately, children aren’t safe from identity theft, and it often takes longer to recognize identity theft has occurred when victims are young. Some thieves may even get away with the scheme for years before they’re caught, so it’s never too early to monitor a credit report.

  1. Social media users are 30% more likely to fall victim to identity theft.

Thieves can learn tons of valuable information about their potential victims just by glancing at social media. Even taking a Facebook quiz can increase your exposure to identity theft by collecting information that helps thieves hack into your accounts. Plus, thieves frequently contact victims through social media.

  1. Most consumers underestimate their risk for identity theft.

An Experian survey discovered most consumers don’t really believe they’re at risk for identity theft. Consumers don’t fully grasp the size of their digital footprint. Others feel poor credit makes them unattractive to thieves. In reality, sharing personal information on social media, using a public wi-fi network and even sharing login information with friends and family can increase your chances of falling victim.

  1. Identity theft has lasting emotional effects on victims.

Identity theft takes a major toll on victims’ mental health. Repairing accounts, requesting refunds and enhancing privacy safeguards can cause stress, fatigue and even depression. The emotional effects can impact work, school and relationships, and past victims are more likely to experience identity theft again.

Identity theft is a major risk to anyone with a paper trail or a digital footprint. In other words, everyone has some level of risk. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself. Ensure you practice good digital hygiene by following BBB’s guide to data privacy.

If you have been a victim of identity theft, report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and to BBB Scam Tracker.

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, buying a home, Padre Island Business Association, property taxes, Restaurants, Scam Alert, selling a home

BBB Scam Alert: Watch out for false promises as eviction moratorium nears end

September 5, 2021 By

The eviction moratorium has been extended through October 3, but that doesn’t mean scammers have postponed their tricks. Con artists often take advantage of the confusion and stress surrounding significant events. With more than 450,000 Texans behind on their rent, the moratorium’s end is a perfect hook.   

How the Scam Works

 As the eviction moratorium winds down, watch out for scammers offering loans, peddling credit repair services, or promoting government programs. These cons are a way to trick desperate people out of money they don’t have.  

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, BBB Scam Tracker has seen numerous reports of phony “pandemic relief” grants or government programs that allegedly provide funding to people impacted by the pandemic. Once you “qualify for the grant,” the scammer will ask you to pay a processing or delivery fee to receive your funds. Of course, the grant doesn’t exist, and if you pay upfront, you just gave money to scammers.  

Advance fee loans, debt relief and credit repair scams work in a similar way. They promise a loan – or to repair your credit – for an upfront fee. No matter how much you may need it, don’t be tempted by “guaranteed loans” or impossible services, such as removing late payments or bankruptcy, from your credit report.

This recent BBB Scam Tracker report describes a situation more people will likely encounter as the eviction moratorium nears. “I’d been in a desperate financial situation for a few weeks now, so I had been looking for loans and being denied left and right,” the scam victim told BBB. The victim received a call from a loan provider, saying their loan application had finally been accepted. There was just one catch: before the company could release the money, the borrow had to increase their credit score. Fortunately, this company had a way to help. “The way they would do that is they would send money to my account and then all I would have to do is send it back and that would boost my score.” Of course, the scammers never actually transferred the money. When the victim “sent back” the funds, they transferred $1,000 into the hands of scammers and caused their account to overdraft.

Protect yourself from this scam:

Double-check any government program before you sign up. If an organization is offering you a grant or relief funds, get to know them before agreeing to anything. Take a close look at their website and read reviews. If you think you might be dealing with an impostor, find the official contact information and call the company to verify the offer is legitimate.

Be wary of out-of-the-blue calls, emails or text messages claiming to be from the government. In general, the government will not contact you using these methods unless you have granted permission.

Think something seems suspicious? Reach out to the agency directly. If you doubt that a government representative is legitimate, hang up the phone or stop emailing. Then, report the suspicious calls or messages. Make sure the agency is real. Scammers often make up names of agencies or grants.

Do not pay any money for a “free” government grant or program. It is not free if there is a fee involved. A real government agency will not ask for an advanced processing fee. Instead, find out if the grant is legitimate by checking Grants.gov.

Advance fees are a concern. Not all businesses promising to help you repair bad credit are scams, but if you are asked to pay in advance, that’s a big red flag. In both the U.S. and Canada, credit repair and debt relief companies can only collect their fee after performing the promised services.

Avoid guarantees and unusual payment methods. Genuine lenders never guarantee a loan in advance. They will check your credit score and other documents before providing an interest rate or loan amount and will not ask you to pay an upfront fee. Fees are never paid via gift cards, CashApp, or prepaid debit cards. Unusual payment methods and payments to an individual are a big tip-off.

Get further insight by reading BBB’s tips on loans and credit repair services on BBB.org and learn more about government impostor scams during COVID-19. 

If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams. 

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Charities, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, property taxes, Scam Alert, selling a home

Stock Trading Apps

June 24, 2021 By

In the aftermath of the GameStop stock saga, many would-be investors have turned to mobile stock trading apps to capitalize on market investments. According to MarketWatch, a Dow Jones & Co. investment resource that tracks marketplace trends, February downloads of mobile trading apps, such as Robinhood, E*Trade and Webull, reached an all-time high with expectations of continued growth.

While trading apps have made accessing and investing in the stock market easier than ever, participation always carries the potential for financial loss or gain. Before you invest with a stock trading app, be sure to follow these tips from your Better Business Bureau:

Educate yourself about stock markets.  The best way to succeed at mobile stock trading is to do your homework before you begin. Familiarize yourself with concepts like expense ratios, trading commissions, asset allocations, individual stocks, exchange-traded funds, and more.

Choose a reputable stock trading app. The trading app you choose is more than just a platform for trading; it is the company that will serve as your broker. Be sure that any company you are considering has a good reputation and is legally licensed with the appropriate government authorities.

Set a budget. Make sure you are in a good financial position to start trading. Since trading carries risks, you should never invest money you can’t afford to lose. Keep in mind that it is unwise to put more than 10 percent of your portfolio towards individual stocks, as this can expose your savings to too much volatility.

Practice by trading virtually. If you want to try the stock market, but aren’t ready to risk real money, try “virtual trading” first. Many online stockbrokers offer platforms where you can learn the ropes by buying and selling virtual stocks.

Watch out for scams and “hot tips.”  Keep an eye out for investment scams. Stick to brokers that are registered with the SEC and avoid anyone who uses high-pressure sales tactics or pyramid schemes. Sponsored ads and online forums promoting “fail-safe” stocks that are “guaranteed” to get you a huge profit for a small investment (if you act now!) are likely fake, or part of a racket designed to drive up the price of a stock temporarily. Don’t fall for this kind of “insider’s advice.”

For more information about investment scams and how to safely trade stocks via a mobile app, go to BBB.org

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Investment Property, Mortgages, Retail Tax

Hunter Delivers Legislative Wins for Coastal Bend

June 18, 2021 By

TWIA reform, suicide prevention, college funding make session successful.

Media Contact: Angie Flores at 361.695.2048

(CORPUS CHRISTI) – It will be more difficult for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) to raise insurance rates under legislation successfully pushed this year by State Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi. The protection against TWIA rate increases was one of many legislative victories that Rep. Hunter delivered for the Coastal Bend.

Rep. Hunter, who has long fought against TWIA rate increases, ensured language was included in Senate Bill 1448 requiring that two-thirds of the TWIA Board of Directors must vote to approve any rate increase, rather than a simple majority. Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1448 into law on May 26, making it effective September 1.

Coastal Bend business leaders joined Rep. Hunter at a Tuesday press conference to celebrate the passage of Senate Bill 1448.

“TWIA rates are already too high and it should not be easy for the TWIA Board to raise them further,” Rep. Hunter said. “We put together a bipartisan coalition in the Legislature to stand up to TWIA and support the coastal homeowners and businesses who must pay these high rates. These controls on TWIA rate increases will provide needed protections for property owners and our Coastal Bend economy.”

An experienced legislator who works well with members of both political parties, Rep. Hunter accomplished many of his legislative priorities throughout this year’s session, which lasted from January to May. Many of his top priorities emerged from meetings and conversations with residents of the Coastal Bend over the last several years.

For example, after a group of local students approached Rep. Hunter about an alarming increase in suicides, he formed a local task force to work on the issue. He passed House Bill 4074, which requires the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council to create a subcommittee focused on suicide prevention through the use of data and by including suicide prevention efforts in the council’s behavioral health strategic plan. Rep. Hunter also successfully authored House Bill 3821, which requires the Texas Veterans Commission and the state Health and Human Services Commission to employ and train mental health professionals as part of the state’s mental health program for Veterans.

Rep. Hunter also organized a task force several years ago to focus on prevention human trafficking, and once again, feedback from the task force helped pave the way for legislative action. For example, the risks for human trafficking and exploitation are often high at sexually oriented businesses. Rep. Hunter was the House sponsor of Senate Bill 315, a new law raisingthe age of employment in sexually oriented businesses from 18 to 21 and prohibiting sexually oriented businesses from allowing minors on site. He also authored House Bill 3521, which redefines coercion as it relates to human trafficking offenses to include the performance or provision of labor or services.

“Meetings with community stakeholders over the last several years have informed and strengthened our work to prevent suicides and human trafficking,” Rep. Hunter said. “From law enforcement to students to mental health professionals and educators, the members of our task forces have helped shape legislative solutions in a positive way.”

Rep. Hunter’s legislative work this year also reflected the concerns of key Coastal Bend industries. For example, to support the beleaguered music industry after a very difficult year, Rep. Hunter helped pass Senate Bill 855 to crack down on those who try to illegally sell music online without the consent of the artists who created it. He also helped secure funding to continue the development of oyster mariculture, which Rep. Hunter brought to Texas with legislation he passed into law in 2019.

“We delivered victories for key sectors of our local economy,” Rep. Hunter said. “Those victories will impact the whole community by creating a stronger climate for economic activity.”

Rep. Hunter also helped the effort to fund numerous Coastal Bend educational institutions and tourist attractions in the two-year state budget, including:

n $130.9 million in total funding for Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
n $34.7 million in total funding for Del Mar College
n $8.9 million for the University of Texas – Marine Science Institute
n $6.65 million for Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Unmanned Aircraft Systems
n $500,000 for a grant to the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center

Finally, Rep. Hunter authored two new laws to improve beach safety. House Bill 3807, the Je’Sani Smith Act, requires cities, counties, and the Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to add signs and lifeguards in certain areas to improve the safety of public beaches during the summer months. House Concurrent Resolution 46 designates April as Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness Month in order to raise awareness of the potential dangers of swimming in the ocean. The resolution calls for a public awareness campaign focused on beach safety each April.

Overall, Rep. Hunter declared the legislative session a success for residents of the Coastal Bend and pledged to continue prioritizing issues that matter to the people he represents.

“The issues that matter to the Coastal Bend are the ones that matter to me,” Rep. Hunter said. “I am proud of the legislation we passed on a range of important issues, and it would not have been possible without the input of so many people in our community.”

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About Rep. Todd Hunter
Todd Hunter is the state representative for Texas House District 32 in Nueces County. He is the Chairman of the House Redistricting Committee. He is also a member of the State Affairs Committee, which deals with significant matters of state policy, ranging from the administration of the state government to cybersecurity, and he sits on the International Relations & Economic Development Committee.

Political Ad Paid For By The Todd Hunter Campaign

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, Charities, Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, Eagle Ford Shale, Hurricane Relief, Investment Property, Todd Hunter

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