BBB Tip: Reports of political scams increase as presidential election nears

October 26, 2024 By

An election’s approach always seems to turn up the emotional heat across the nation, and the upcoming presidential election is no exception. On Nov. 5, voters will decide who will lead the country into the future. As the election nears, voices arguing for or against critical issues are loud and persistent, often fueled by emotional appeals and passionate support. While political campaigns usually include unsolicited contact as part of legitimate outreach efforts, bad actors also capitalize on peoples’ passion to trick them into divulging personal information or providing financial contributions.

Preying on emotion and exploiting people who deeply care about an ongoing situation or issue is a common tactic for scammers. This strategy can often be seen in the number of charity and fundraising scams following a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis. As generous donors look to contribute to ease the suffering of those affected, scammers seek to exploit their kindness for their own purposes. In the political arena, people often participate in polls and surveys because they want their voices to be heard, and scammers use that desire to build trust and steal personal information. Other citizens who wish to be involved may donate to the political campaign of their chosen representative, and scammers are more than willing to take advantage of their willingness to contribute.

Elections are polarizing by their very nature. It is easy to get swept up in the emotional wave and take risks that you might typically avoid. While it is essential for the governed to be informed and engaged with the election process, it is also important to remain aware of scammers who use elections to initiate contact and steal from the public.

BBB provides the following tips to help identify some common political scams as the presidential election approaches.

Check your email

During election seasons, it can feel like once a candidate or political party gets your email address, you hear from them every time you check your inbox. They may claim they need your help or want to know your point of view through a poll or survey. The email may ask for a donation, a response, or specific information about your political beliefs and demographics to support their efforts and make an impact on the future.

Campaign email is one of the best ways to communicate with voters whose busy schedules often prevent them from having the time to answer a phone call or attend a political rally. However, scammers can also sign up to receive these communications, allowing them to mimic their appearance and language. Polls, surveys or donation requests that appeal to your passion, beliefs and desire to take action may also be an attempt to steal your personal information or gain access to your bank account.

If you have signed up to receive communications from a political campaign, those emails should come from a specific email address associated with the representative. Take the time to check the sender’s email address and pay close attention to the domain and subdomain. For example, a generic email address for a political campaign may be ‘info@RepresentativeFor2024.org,’ which a scammer may change to ‘info@ForRepresentaive2024.com.’ Before you donate or give personal information, research the organization that reached out, and be wary of people who try to rush you to make a decision.

Be especially careful of emails with links. Phishing emails might include a link that takes users to a spoofed version of a candidate’s website or installs malware on your device. If you want to receive more information or visit a site, it’s better to type the official website address into your browser. You can also hover your mouse over hyperlinks and compare the web address that pops up with the legitimate web address.

When scammers give you a ring

Candidates’ campaigns often canvas their supporters by phone to help determine voters’ key issues for an upcoming election. However, scammers may do the same to obtain personal information or money. Criminals pretending to be affiliated with your party or candidate might attempt to scam you over the phone by asking you to answer survey questions, donate money, or claim to offer voter registration assistance. Scammers entice their targets to share personal information such as their Social Security number, birthdate or address in exchange for a prize or gift card, which no legitimate canvasser will ever do.

Trickery by smishing

Smishing is like email scamming; only messages are sent via text. Voters might receive a message that looks like it came from a trusted source, inviting them to participate in a poll or donate by following a provided link or QR code. Scammers also have been known to spoof phone numbers and caller IDs, making it even more challenging to distinguish between a legitimate outreach attempt and fraud. Like phishing scams, con artists use smishing to get passwords, account numbers, Social Security numbers or other data. They may also ask personal questions that seem harmless at face value but can be used to answer security questions for your online accounts.

Another type of scam happens when con artists send a text about a problem that doesn’t exist. For example, an individual might get a text that looks like it came from their bank, asking if they donated to a candidate, organization, or party with a prompt to reply “yes” or “no.” If the person replies no, the scammer calls them and asks for their account login, numbers or password to investigate or dispute the transaction. The person feels an urgent need to act, so they might not think twice about giving up sensitive information.

There’s also the text-your-vote scam. Con artists send text messages urging people to text their vote rather than voting in person or by mail. When voters believe them, they don’t show up to vote, losing their chance to participate in elections.

Presidential election cybersecurity tips

  • See prizes as a red flag.
  • Know what pollsters don’t need. They might ask for demographic information or what party you most align with, but they don’t need personal information like birth dates, social security numbers or financial information. No state offers voter registration by phone.
  • Don’t answer unknown numbers. Con artists can’t trick you if they can’t get in touch.
  • Listen to your gut. If something seems off, protect yourself. If in doubt, check with your local election office.
  • Don’t provide information in response to an unsolicited message.
  • Do report suspicious activities to BBB’s Scam Tracker.

Visit BBB.org/Cybersecurity for more information to help voters understand and manage risks this election season.

 

Filed Under: Better Business Bureau, chamber of commerce, Charities, corpus christi business, corpus christi city council, corpus christi jobs, COVID-19 Virus, cybersecurity, hispanic chamber of commerce, Mortgages, property taxes, Retail Tax, windstorm insurance Tagged With:

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 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

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

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

Corpus Christi Chambers to Unite

February 7, 2016 By

hand-shake

Officials for the Corpus Christi and Hispanic chambers of commerce say their historic merger should wrap up in the next few weeks, and that they are just days from unveiling the new organization’s name.

A transition team consisting of members from each chamber’s board took less than a month to unify the groups and agree on a name for the new chamber.

The team is expected to notify the two boards of its recommendation in coming days. The name will be made public after they’ve voted on it, perhaps as early as the beginning of February, Alan Wilson, chairman of the Corpus Christi chamber, told the Caller-Times on Thursday.

Other details, including memberships and drafting bylaws, are being worked out but appear to be on pace for completion by the end of March, Wilson said.

“Everyone has been on board with making sure this (merger) is something positive for the entire region, for the entire community,” said Rosie Gonzalez Collin, chair of the Hispanic chamber.

Members of the chambers voted overwhelmingly Dec. 29 to unite their organizations. Supporters have said the move was necessary to eliminate overlap in membership and to keep Corpus Christi’s business landscape in line with the region’s energy and job growth.

The two chambers haven’t wasted time preparing for the unification since.

Executive board members of each group have met with Annette Medlin, who recently was named president and CEO of the Corpus Christi chamber. The Hispanic chamber is planning an official welcome ceremony for Medlin during its Feb. 25 “Mi Casa es Su Casa” women’s mixer.

Medlin fills a vacancy left by Foster Edwards, who retired.

Earlier this month, the Hispanic chamber announced Gilda Ramirez would remain its interim president, while taking on a full-time role as its vice president of small business, international outreach and education affairs. Ramirez is expected to work on staff of the new chamber once the transition is finished.

Twitter: @Caller_ChrisRam via Caller Times

Filed Under: chamber of commerce, corpus christi, corpus christi business, corpus christi jobs, hispanic chamber of commerce, Local Food