Illinois AG warns of vacation scams

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued a consumer alert on June 2 warning travelers to watch for scams as families make summer vacation plans. The advisory said fake vacation deals, hidden fees and pressure to pay through wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps or cryptocurrency are among the risks consumers should look for. WSIU reported the warning on June 3, citing guidance from Raoul’s office for travelers booking trips ahead of the summer season. ### Which travel offers did Raoul tell people to treat with caution? Raoul’s office said travelers should research travel agents, booking sites and vacation rental listings rather than relying on web search results alone. The advisory said consumers should check reviews, news reports and the Better Business Bureau to help verify whether a business or listing is legitimate. (wsiu.org) “With the unofficial start of the summer travel season upon us, it is important for consumers planning summer getaways to be aware of scams targeting travelers,” Raoul said in the release. He said Illinois residents should consider the office’s recommendations “to avoid letting scammers and dishonest companies ruin travel plans this season.” (illinoisattorneygeneral.gov) ### What did the attorney general say about unusually low prices and hidden terms? The June 2 alert said travelers should compare prices across websites, while keeping in mind that very low prices can come with unfavorable terms. Raoul’s office also said consumers should ask for all agreements in writing and review cancellation and refund policies before paying. Missing or vague cancellation terms can be a sign of a scam, the advisory said. (illinoisattorneygeneral.gov) The attorney general’s office said people should not sign an agreement or send payment until the full terms of the deal have been disclosed. That warning covered hidden fees as well as offers that pressure customers to make quick decisions before they have reviewed the conditions. ### Which payment methods did the office single out as high risk? WSIU reported that Raoul cautioned consumers against companies that demand payment through wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps or cryptocurrency. (illinoisattorneygeneral.gov) The station said the office instead encouraged travelers to use credit cards for bookings because those cards provide stronger fraud protections. The attorney general’s release also said travelers should be wary of businesses that pressure customers into making immediate decisions. (wsiu.org) That combination — urgency plus hard-to-reverse payment methods — was presented in the advisory as a warning sign for possible fraud. ### What rights did the office say travelers have if flights go wrong? Federal rules require airlines to provide refunds in certain situations involving canceled flights, significantly delayed flights, delayed baggage returns or services that were paid for but not received, according to WSIU’s report on the advisory. (wsiu.org) The station said Raoul’s office included that reminder as part of its summer travel guidance. ### Where can Illinois consumers file a complaint? The Illinois attorney general’s website says consumers who believe they were targeted by a travel scam can file a complaint with the office. The site’s consumer protection section says the office handles complaints involving fraud, deception and unfair business practices. WSIU reported that travelers can also contact the Consumer Fraud Hotline, including the Carbondale line at 1-800-243-0607. (wsiu.org) The June 2 advisory remains posted in the attorney general’s newsroom and consumer protection materials on the state website.