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

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

Shred It for Sealife to Benefit Texas Sealife Center

June 3, 2023 By

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

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

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

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

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

Coastal Financial, LLC

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

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

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 Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 6, 2022 By

The month of October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According
to the National Research Center on Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are
affected by domestic violence. Unfortunately, this means that this is a common problem for
many people. Additionally, it is estimated that annually 20 million people will be abused by their
partner. Therefore, millions of people are in a constant state of fear for their livelihood. As a
result of the alarmingly high statistics, it is important to be educated about domestic violence and
to be aware of the signs to protect those around you from domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a critical month for the public and survivors of
domestic violence. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness regarding domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project describes domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive
behaviors–including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic
coercion–used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or
regain power and control in the relationship.” Abusers use a wide variety of methods to scare,
terrorize, humiliate, injure, and in some instances kill their partners. Domestic violence is
incredibly dangerous since this can have lasting emotional, psychological, mental, and physical
effects on those being abused by their partners.

In addition to the horrible effects of domestic violence, anyone can be a victim regardless
of gender, race, or age. Due to this, it is important to know the signs of domestic violence. A few
of the signs that someone is being abused are someone telling their partner they never do

anything right, showing jealousy when their partner spends time with friends rather than with
them, insulting or shaming their partner in front of others, and blaming their partner for their
violent behavior. If you believe someone is being abused, reach out to them and inform them of
their options to get help.

For more information about domestic violence and resources to help those being abused,
please visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website https://ncadv.org/.
Along with this, the International Rescue Committee is a great source to learn more about the
signs of domestic abuse https://www.rescue.org. Additionally, you can visit the Domestic
Violence Awareness Project to learn more about the importance of Domestic Violence
Awareness Month https://www.dvawareness.org/about-dv. Also, The National Domestic Hotline
is 1.800.787.3244 and is available 24/7.

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: Charities, Harbor Bridge, Hurricane Aide, Hurricane Relief, property taxes, Retail Tax, Scam Alert, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance

September 2022 -Suicide Prevention Month

September 8, 2022 By

September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages 10-34. In addition to this, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. Along with this, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 46 percent of all people who lose their lives through suicide had been diagnosed with a mental illness. The purpose of Suicide Prevention Month is to promote suicide prevention awareness and to spread knowledge about resources available for those who struggle with mental illness. Suicide Prevention Month is important because this month is dedicated for people to come together and discuss suicide which can be a difficult topic to speak about.

Although historically there has been a stigma surrounding the topic of suicide, it is important for people to discuss. Taking part in open conversations about suicide lessens the stigma around suicide which leads to people who are struggling to reach out and ask for help. According to Suicide Prevention Lifeline, people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts feel relief when people ask them about their mental health. Furthermore, discussing mental health can reduce suicidal thoughts.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide rates have increased 35 percent since 1999. Due to increasing suicide rates, it is important to be aware of the signs of struggling mental health since suicide is preventable. Some of the warning signs for suicide include new behaviors such as increased use of drugs or alcohol, extreme mood swings, talking about being a burden to others, and withdrawing or isolating themselves. While these signs cannot predict whether a person will attempt suicide, knowing the signs and reaching out to a person who is struggling can make a positive impact in their life.

For more information about Suicide Prevention Month, please visit Suicide Prevention Resource Center. https://www.sprc.org/

Along with this, Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a wonderful resource to learn more about suicide, the warning signs, and risk factors. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Additionally, you can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness to learn more about mental illness and suicide. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-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: cybersecurity, property taxes, Retail Tax, Scam Alert, spring cleaning, Todd Hunter, windstorm insurance

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

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

National Government Related Impostor Scams

October 25, 2020 By

BBB Column

It is no secret that COVID-19 has brought confusion along with concern. This confusion provides opportunities for scammers to target consumers in new, creative ways. A recent study from BBB shows that reports on government impostor scams have decreased, but the pandemic has allowed for these scams to take new forms that may be more difficult to recognize. From posing as CDC officials to preying on CARES funds, impostors are once again taking advantage of trying times.

A recent survey from AARP showed that 44% of people in the U.S. have been contacted by someone posing as a government employee. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also reports $450 million dollars lost to government impostor scams since 2015. Last year, reports of scammers posing as IRS agents dropped, while scammers posing as Social Security Administration (SSA) employees quadrupled.

In 2019, Texans submitted 10% of Scam Tracker reports on government impostor scams. And while reports are decreasing nationally, Texas has seen an increase of 35% in the first six months of 2020 over all of 2019. Recognizing these scams can be crucial to Texans’ financial safety.

Different versions of this scam may include promises of a fake government grant, and the grant “winner” simply needs to pay a fee or provide personal information. Then, the scammer disappears, and the grant never arrives. In other versions, the scammer calls victims pretending to be from the IRS or SSA, claiming there is unpaid money and the consumer will be arrested until they pay off the debt in full. Government impostors often use fear tactics to pressure people into acting quickly, and spoof caller ID to appear legitimate.

Government impostor scams can be costly and reporting them is an important factor in preventing them for others. Use this information from your Better Business Bureau on how to properly report government fraud:

  • IRS: The Internal Revenue Service advises people to fill out the “IRS Impersonation Scam” form on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Impersonation’s website, tigta.gov.
  • Social Security: The Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration (SSA IG) has its own online form to take complaints about frauds impersonating the SSA.
  • Federal Trade Commission: Contact the FTC at 877-FTC-HELP or ftc.gov.
  • Internet Crime Complaint Center: Reach the FBI’s IC3 at ic3.gov/complaint.
  • Cellphone carrier: which may offer free services such as scam call identification and blocking, ID monitoring, a second phone number to give out to businesses so you can use your main number for close friends or a new number if you get too many spam calls.
  • BBB Scam Tracker: File a report on BBB.org/ScamTracker to let others in your area know to watch for this scam.

Visit us at BBB.org/FakeGov to view the full report.

Filed Under: chamber of commerce, Charities, property taxes, Retail Tax, Scam Alert

Tax Time 2019

April 15, 2019 By

Your home is likely your largest asset, and therefore, deserves special attention at tax time. Be sure you’re handling them correctly this year, using these tips!

Deduct from the correct year:

Here, we’re billed in arrears on our taxes, which can be confusing when taking the tax deduction. You’ll want to be sure to enter the amount you actually paid in that tax year, no matter what the date on your tax bill says. Because of this, it can be easy to confuse your payments and actually claim the incorrect amount.

Note: If taxes were paid from your escrow account, do not just deduct the amount escrowed. That’s because sometimes the amount you pay from this account can be a little bit higher or a little bit lower. Your lender will align the two to make sure they end up matching.

For example: Your property taxes were $6,000. Your lender collected $5,800. Or, maybe your lender collected $6,200. You’ll deduct $6,000, the actual taxes paid. This number will be the amount noted on your Form 1098.

Deduct your mortgage interest:

A home mortgage interest deduction allows you, the taxpayers who owns your home, to write off any interest you paid on a loan secured by your home (main home or a second home). The loan may be a mortgage, a line of credit, or a home equity loan. This allows you to reduce your taxable income by the amount of interest paid on the loan.

Note: You must file Form 1040 and itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), and prove your mortgage is a secured debt on a qualified home in which you own.

Exceptions: You cannot deduct mortgage interest on a mortgage that is over $1,000,000, or you have over $100,000 in home equity debt.

Refinanced?

If you’ve refinanced, you’ll be deducting points over the life of your new loan (as opposed to your regular mortgage, where you’ve been deducting points based on what you paid your lender to secure your mortgage over the course of your loan’s life – 15 years, 30 years…)

For example: Let’s say you paid $3,000 in points for a refinance of 30 years. You’ll divide 3,000 by 30 and pay $100 a year.

Went green?

If you made any energy improvements, such as installing solar electric, solar water heater, geothermal, any energy-efficient systems…you may be able to take a 10% tax credit up to a certain dollar amount. However, these are one-time credits. If you claimed your new energy-efficient windows last year, you can’t do it again.

Note: See Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits

Don’t forget to:

  • Keep track of your home-related expenses.
  • Track your capital gains (If you sold your main home last year, you’ll have to pay capital gains taxes on your profit from that sale). Keep your receipts as long as you own the property plus three years.
  • Deduct your home office (If you’re eligible, you can deduct $5 per sq. ft. up to 300 feet, or up to $1,500 a year).
  • Keep your mortgage payoff statements forever. You never know when you may need that proof.
  • Keep your appraisal or valuation used to calculate depreciation as long as you’re the owner plus three years.
  • Keep your property tax payment, year-end mortgage statement, PMI payment, and energy tax credit receipt for three years after the due date of the return showing the deduction.
Filed Under: North Padre Island, property taxes, realtors, Retail Tax, selling a home, spring cleaning

THE “TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT”

February 24, 2018 By

Just before the New Year, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. You’ve probably read a bit on the topic, but what does it mean for all you valued homeowners out there?

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) worked throughout the tax reform process, on behalf of all of us, to preserve the existing tax benefits of homeowners and investors. Although many areas of the old law were retained, there were also many changes. Let’s take a look at what is different – spark notes style.

Provisions Affecting Current and Prospective Homeowners:

Tax Rate Reductions – The new law, in general, provides lower tax rates for those filing individually. Although many will pay lower taxes, it is not a blanket rule. The tax rate schedule retains seven brackets with slightly lower marginal rates of 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. However, the current maximum rates on net capital gains remains the same. Over the next decade, the total size of the tax cut from the rate reductions equals more than $1.2 trillion.

Mortgage Interest Deduction – Now, for loans taken out, the new limit on deductible mortgage debt has been reduced from $1 million to $750,000. Current loans of up to $1 million are grandfathered. The final bill repealed the deduction for interest paid on home equity debt through the end of the year 2025. And if the proceeds are used to improve your property, interest is still deductible on home equity loans or second mortgages. Second homes? Interest remains deductable, but is still subject to the aforementioned limits.

Standard Deduction – The new standard deduction for single filers is $12,000 and $24,000 for joint returns (indexed for inflation). This significant increase will reduce the value of the mortgage interest and property tax deductions as tax incentives for homeownership.

Repeal of Personal Exemptions – Before, filers could deduct $4,150 in 2018 for the filer and their spouse and each dependent (if any). These exemptions have been repealed in the new law. This change alone mitigates (may even eliminate) the positive aspects of the higher standard deduction, as it would more than make up for the loss of not receiving personal exemptions.

Deduction for State and Local Taxes – Although Texas doesn’t have state taxes, the new bill allows an itemized deduction of up to $10,000 for the total of state and local property taxes and income or sales taxes.

Deduction for Casualty Losses – Now there is a deduction only if a loss is attributable to a presidentially-declared disaster.

Moving Expenses – The final bill repeals moving expense deduction and exclusion, except for members of the Armed Forces.

It sounds as though home ownership will continue to be a strong and stable driver for our economy. And NAR will continue to work hard for us. They said it best: “Home ownership is not a special interest, it is our common interest.”

Filed Under: Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi, North Padre Island, padre island events, property taxes, realtors, Retail Tax, selling a home Tagged With: , ,

CC voters face critical sales tax vote in November

March 23, 2016 By

KRISTV.com | Continuous News Coverage | Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI –

Plenty of issues will be in voters’ hands come November, including a pivotal decision on how to spend sales tax revenue.

Depending on the vote, a powerful city board that spends your money, may not exist next year.

An eighth of every cent you pay in sales tax funds the city’s Type A Board, which controls the Type A Fund.

We’re talking millions of dollars a year controlled by five people.

The board spends most of it on economic development. They also spend money on seawall repairs and the American Bank Center.

CLICK HERE: Projects funded by Type A Board

The board (fund) is up for renewal this year, and it’s up to the voters.

Jerry Sansing is president of the Corpus Christi Taxpayers Association. He plans on voting against it.

“I’ve seen too much money go down the drain. You know, we can’t fix streets. We can’t do this. We can’t do that, but we can certainly tax for everything under the sun,” he says.

Sansing would rather the city give that money back to the people, or spend it, in part, to cut down palm trees off Airline. The ones right by the Gulfway Shopping Center.

Sansing says they violate the Americans with Disabilities Act because they take up too much room on the sidewalk, and make it almost impossible for people in wheelchairs to get by.

But Type A Board member Bart Braselton points out the board’s numerous accomplishments, like landing Schlitterbahn with a $5 million deal in incentives.

“It competes with other cities, and when you know, when you’re having somebody that’s bringing say, anywhere from 500 to 1,000 new jobs to your city, the return on investment is incredible,” Braselton says.

Sansing says projects like Schlitterbahn don’t need the money.

Braselton points out other things the Type A Board has helped fund, like the Engineering Department at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, or the truck driving program at Del Mar College.

If residents vote to get rid of the board, it’ll be disbanded after any remaining money is spent.

If that happens, it’ll likely be up to the city council to decide how to re-allocate that portion of sales tax revenue every year.  Via KrisTv.com

Filed Under: Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, corpus christi, corpus christi business, corpus christi jobs, Padre Island Business Association, Retail Tax, spring cleaning