Looking Back at 2022 and Forward to 2023!

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David Charles Allen (https://www.davidcharlesallen.com) reviews Santa Barbara’s real estate in 2022.  The first half of the year was a hot, hot market for sellers.  Inventory was very low; often there were only 150 – 200 properties for sale. There were multiple offers, often over the asking price, on just about any property.  Interest rates shot up and down throughout the year and at times were in the 3-4 % range. 

In contrast, 30-year conforming loans now have an interest rate of 5.875% and 30-year jumbo loans have an interest rate of 5.125%.  There are currently 300 homes for sale on the market which is still low—but almost double what was available at any given time throughout much of 2022.  David believes that we are returning to a more balanced market.  He’s not making predictions but urges people to look at what’s most important to them, what they believe will happen to our economy, and how it would affect their home purchase.  If you’d like to discuss your options, David invites you to email him at david@davidcharlesallen.com or call him at 805-617-9311. 

Lastly, in the Fur Babies at Home section, David and Patti discuss an article sent by a viewer which outlines the changing popularity of various dog breeds. 

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BBB’s Online Resolutions to Stay Safe Online

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BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-…

Sponsored by Ayers Repairs in Santa Barbara: https://www.ayersrepairs.com

BBB recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year’s resolution list, along with 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 to never 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. When shopping online, or if asked to make a payment 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. Make use of privacy settings on social media and only connect with people you actually 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 a friend or a relative and earn your trust. Also, be careful when buying products you saw on social media. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads.

If you’ve been targeted by online scams, help others avoid the same problem by reporting your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker.

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BBB Shares Tips to Spot Coupon Scams

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A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-…

Sponsored by Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara https://ayersrepairs.com

Everyone loves a good deal, and scammers know it. Counterfeit coupons are a popular way for scammers to steal your identity and money. Motives and methods vary, but phony coupons often mean serious losses for retailers, consumers, or both.

How the scam works:

You come across a website, either through a web search or an ad on social media, for coupons from major retailers. Usually, fake coupons are worth much more than real ones, offering steep discounts like 80% off. By using brands’ official logos, it’s nearly impossible to tell if it’s fake or not. In some cases, getting the “coupons” requires subscribing to a coupon service and paying a monthly membership fee. Once you sign up, the service promises to either send you digital coupons or paper coupons in the mail. You may never receive any coupons, or you might receive coupons that are fake. Plus, by signing up, you’ve handed over your personal details and possibly your credit card information to a dishonest stranger. You may also come across coupons that offer deals in exchange for sharing a link on social media. Don’t do it! The link leads to a third-party website where visitors enter personal information in exchange for the coupon. In most cases, after signing up, you never receive any coupons. Instead, you’ve given your personal details to scammers.

How to avoid coupon scams:

● Don’t fall for deals that are too good to be true. Be skeptical. If a coupon is valued near or above the retail price of an item, consider it a red flag. ● Check the source of the coupon. If the coupon doesn’t come from a recognized coupon distributor, the manufacturer, or a specific store, be wary. If you aren’t sure about a coupon, visit the company’s website directly to look for the coupon on their official site or contact their customer service line to inquire.

● Think before you click on links in emails. If you receive a coupon via email, hover your mouse over the link without clicking on it to see where it will take you. If the URL looks like a random assortment of letters and numbers, or if it is a shortened link that doesn’t reveal where it’s taking you, don’t click it. Only visit official websites to avoid downloading malware onto your computer.

● Read coupons carefully. If a coupon doesn’t have an expiration date, if it looks photocopied, or if it contains spelling and grammar errors, you’re probably dealing with a fake.

● Don’t trade personal information for perks. A real business will not ask for your personal information, such as your credit card number or bank account information, in exchange for a coupon or to enter a giveaway. Promotional offers that ask for personal information are usually scams. You shouldn’t have to pay to receive a coupon either.

● Do a search for coupon scams. When in doubt, search the coupon offer along with the word “scam.” This will often bring up similar offers that are fake and can help you determine whether a coupon is real or not.

Find other general tips at BBB.org/AvoidScams. If you’ve spotted a coupon scam, report it. Share your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker to help others recognize scams before it’s too late.

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Even with the Holiday Slow-Down, the Market Remains Active

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The HOP (Home Ownership Podcast) Episode 121

Hosted by Village Properties Realtor, David Charles Allen https://www.davidcharlesallen.com David reports that there has been plenty of rain and waves over the holidays, making the surfers happy! Typically, real estate is slow over the holidays because people are busy preparing for and celebrating the holidays. Even so, the market remained active, although the supply is a little constrained. Homes are sitting longer but if they’re priced well and are without need for major renovations, they will sell fairly quickly. However, sellers need to realize that things are not selling like they did six months ago and need to temper their expectations. During the past two weeks, there were 12 new listings, 6 price changes, 27 pending sales, 27 closed sales, 4 came back on the market and 3 are coming soon. The interest rate for a 30-year jumbo loan is 5.625% and 6.375 for a 30-year conforming loan.

David and his co-host Patti are both animal lovers and give an update on the antics of their pets this holiday season. If you’d like to talk to David about real estate you can contact him at 805-617-9311 or email david@davidcharlesallen.com

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BBB of the Tri-Counties and the Santa Barbara County DA’s Office Join Forces

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SPECIAL EDITION!!
 
Richard Copelan, President of BBB of the Tri-Counties and Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson from the County of Santa Barbara join forces and interview each other!
 
Vicki asks Richard about BBB’s Scam Tracker:
 
Richard informs us that the new and improved BBB Scam Tracker was recently rebuilt with the help of Capital One & Amazon and dexcribes how it can be used to search for scams and report them.
 
Vicki asks how people can file business complaints:
 
Richard invites listeners to file complaints at bbb.org  Copelan describes how people can differentiate between outright scams (which usually involve nefarious activities) and complaints–which may involve the questionable practices of a legitimate business. If you have a complaint, you can report it at bbb.org. Or, if you live in the Southern CA Tri-Counties area and want some personal attention, you can call the BBB at 805-963-8657. When a consumer files a business complaint, the business in question has a chance to respond to the complaint. An investigation is launched and the results can result in a poor rating by the BBB.
 
Vicki asks how business can beome BBB accredited:
 
Businesses are thoroughly vetted before they can become accredited. They must have been in business for six months or more and be properly licensed. To find out if a business is BBB accredited, go to bbb.org
 
Vicki asks if the BBB works with charities, in addition to businesses:
 
Richard explains that there is a subdivision for charities called the Wise Giving Alliance.
 
Richard asks about the GOOD NEWS that Vicki reports on at the end of Scam Squad episodes.
 
Vicki reports on good news to remind listeners that sometimes justice prevails. She says that it’s extremely important to report scams to the FBI, the FTC and local law enforcement. These organizations become a library of information on scams which may lead to the formation of a Task Force. The Task Force sometimes investigates scams that start in other countries such as Nigeria and India. They have had some success in prosecuting and shutting down large scam rings in foreign countries. They also go after money mules in the US who conspire with the foreign fraudsters.
 
Richard asks Vicki about Romance Scams:
 
Vicki says that the hardest part is convincing a person that they are being scammed. If your new online friend sends you a photo of himself or herself, do an online search to try and verify their identity. She reminds people that if they meet someone online it may be all well and good; however, the minute the person asks for money, cut off all contact because it’s a scam. She also urges friends and family to be gentle and non judgemental; the victim of a romance scam is likely to experience embarassment and shame.
 
Richard asks about Vicki’s community outreach:
 
Vicki and her colleagues give presentations to help people avoid scams at retirement homes, clubs and groups of all types. If you live in Santa Barbara County you can request a presentation by calling the Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.
 
Richard asks Vicki about the legal process involved in reporting crimes and scams:
 
Vicki says that you should make your initial complaint with your local police or sherriff’s department. The Santa Barbara County DA’s office also has a Civil Complaint Department.
 
Richard and Vicki agree that by working together, they will be able to get more accomplished and that educating consumers is KEY!

 

Show less

 
 

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Crooks are Luring Customers Off of Site Like Etsy to Fraudulant Sites

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Brought to you by BBB of the Tri-Counties: 

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! When the holiday season rolls around, many shoppers turn to online seller platforms to find unique, handmade gifts for their friends and family. Scammers have taken note, and according to recent BBB ScamTracker reports, they’re targeting shoppers with a not-so-unique scam. These recent reports say that the scam is taking place on well-known and reputable websites, such as Etsy (a BBB Accredited Business). Scammers might use this same scam tactic on other platforms as well. How the scam works You’re browsing online when you find a special gift or holiday decoration that you’d like to purchase. The photos seem professional, and everything looks normal… except for one thing. In the item description, you find a message from the seller advising you not to make the purchase through the online sales platform where you have discovered it. Instead, the seller encourages you to purchase the item directly from their independent website, promising you’ll get a hefty discount if you do.

If you follow the link to a website outside the original sales platform and make a purchase, you’ll likely be disappointed when your card is charged, but the product never arrives. Unfortunately, that’s because the product probably never existed in the first place. Worse yet, if you have fallen for this type of scam, your payment information will now be in the hands of unscrupulous characters. One consumer reported this experience: “When I checked out the listing, there was a message that looks like this: ‘DO NOT purchase from this store, visit our website to get 50% off.’ I fell for it and purchased a pair of shoes. I received a confirmation email for my purchase with a tracking number. When nothing arrived, I sent multiple messages inquiring about my order and when I could expect shipment. I received no response. I went back to the website to input my tracking order, and the website was no longer available.”

How to avoid online shopping scams

● Do business with reputable websites. In general, avoid going off-platform to buy from sellers that you discover online; it’s much safer to purchase through reputable websites that help specialty sellers connect with buyers. Legitimate websites like Etsy have specific policies in place to protect sellers and buyers. For example, at Etsy, if an order isn’t delivered, you can open a case with Etsy, and you may get your money back. If a seller asks you directly to shop outside of a website where they listed products, think twice. Etsy states: “To avoid scams and fraud, all transactions must take place on the Etsy platform, through the Etsy checkout system.”

● Research the seller. Read customer reviews keeping an eye out for any reports of scams or dishonest behavior. If the seller doesn’t have any reviews yet, do a general online search of the seller’s name, the item, and the word “scam,” just to be safe.

● Protect your personal information. When making purchases online, be careful with sensitive personal details, such as your name, address, and payment information. Read a website’s privacy and security policies to find out how they use and protect your information (e.g., are they sharing it with third parties or using encryption?). Also, check the website’s terms and conditions of sale, including specifics about issues such as delivery, refunds and restocking fees (which may be substantial). Decide whether you feel comfortable with these policies. If the website does not post easily accessible privacy and security policies and acceptable terms and conditions, consider it a red flag.

● Shop with a credit card. Whenever possible, use your credit card to make online purchase/s. It is easier to dispute fraudulent charges, and you have a better chance of getting your money back if something goes wrong. Demands to wire funds or use gift cards for payment are a major sign that you should just walk away. If you spot a scam while shopping online, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help other consumers spot a scam before it’s too late.

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs for sponsoring this podcast.

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Avoid Impersonation Scams this Holiday Season

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Brought to you by BBB of the Tri-Counties (https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-…

) The Better Business Bureau® is partnering with Amazon to drive an education campaign aimed at helping consumers spot impersonation scams during this holiday season (BBB.org/ImpersonationScams). This scam tactic occurs when a scammer pretends to be a trustworthy organization or individual to steal a person’s money or personal information. This co-branded campaign will run through the holiday season, when we typically see an increase in scam attempts with more people seeking to make purchases. Learn how to spot these types of scams in this special episode of Your Moment of Trust.

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs of the Tri-Counties for sponsoring this podcast.

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Tips to Choose and Store Passwords to Keep you Safe Online

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A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-…

Wireless technologies such as Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi have forever changed the way people not only interact with one another, but also how they complete day to day activities such as shopping, researching, banking, eating, and communicating. The more everyone is online, the more there are opportunities for hackers to get into personal accounts, steal information and drain checking or savings accounts before victims realize it. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), securing today’s online environment goes beyond thinking about the Wi-Fi router at home – and it all starts with a password. In this episode, BBB of the Tri-Counties shares how to choose and manage your passwords to be safe online. https://www.ayersrepairs.com

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast.

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The Pros & Cons of Purchasing a Condo or a Townhouse VS a House

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The HOP (Home Ownership Podcast) Episode 120 with Village Properties Realtor, David Charles Allen. https://www.davidcharlesallen.com

As usual, David reports on the latest interest rates and sales stats in Santa Barbara and then he and Patti discuss the pros and cons of purchasing a townhouse or condo, versus a house. To contact David, email him at david@davidcharlesallen.com or call 805-617-9311.

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BBB Warns Consumers about Delivery Scams

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A Warning from BBB of the Tri-Counties ( https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-…

) Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Some consumers have recently been getting text messages stating a major delivery carrier needs them to”update delivery preferences” on a package by clicking on a link. The problem? The text is a scam, and the link results in the theft of personal information. Most consumers love the convenience of making purchases online and having them shipped straight to their doorstep. But with millions of packages delivered each year, con artists and thieves have developed many ways to steal from shoppers. Fortunately, there are also many ways to protect yourself from their shady tactics.  

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