Charities
BBB Tip: Top 5 Coastal Bend-Area Scams of 2022
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…
Read MoreUnclaimed Property
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 have unclaimed property. Examples of unclaimed property include dividend, payroll, or cashier’s checks; stocks, bonds, and mutual fund accounts; utility deposits and…
Read MoreBBB Tip: Buying a car online
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…
Read MoreBBB Tip: How to avoid purchasing fake tickets to events
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…
Read MoreBBB Tip: Donating wisely during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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.…
Read MoreBBB Business Tip: 7 ways small business owners can cope with inflation
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…
Read MoreTips to attract buyers when selling your home
(BPT) – Preparing your home for sale may start with ideas for staging the house or spackling and painting over nail holes, however, it also requires a considerable amount of planning and organization. Before opening your home to tours, either virtual or in person, be aware of what buyers might notice. “Getting your home ready…
Read MoreBBB serving the Heart of Texas
Accepting applications for 2022 Torch Awards for Ethics competition Since 2014, BBB serving the Heart of Texas has been celebrating marketplace role models with the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics. The award is given to businesses that demonstrate their dedication to ethical business practices, often implementing standards of their own that exceed BBB’s requirement for…
Read MoreHow to Grow a Thriving Business After the Pandemic
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has been a beacon of light to small businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Business owners are ready to move on from this crisis and get back on their feet. While it may be some time until things truly return to normal, now is a great opportunity to make a comeback…
Read MoreBBB Scam Alert: 30% of employment scams occur during the summer
The beginning of summer brings an influx of job-seeking students looking to capitalize on their free time by earning money over their three-month break. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most of these students find employment in the accommodations and foodservice industry, with a little over half (54%) of 16- to 24-year-olds employed in…
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