Illinois Travelers Urged to Watch for Scams

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is encouraging Illinoisans to know their rights and watch for scams as they make summer travel plans.

“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. “I encourage all Illinoisans to consider recommendations offered by my office to avoid letting scammers and dishonest companies ruin travel plans this season.”

Raoul’s office is encouraging travelers to research travel agents, booking sites and vacation rental listings before making payments or signing agreements. Consumers are urged not to rely on web search results alone and instead review customer feedback, news articles and Better Business Bureau information to help determine whether a company or deal may be a scam.

With travel costs increasing, Raoul also recommends that consumers compare prices across multiple websites and be cautious of unusually low prices that may come with unfavorable terms.

Travelers are also encouraged to request all agreements in writing and review cancellation and refund policies before paying. Raoul’s office said missing or unclear cancellation policies may be a sign of a scam. Consumers should avoid signing an agreement or providing payment until the full terms of the deal are disclosed.

Raoul’s office is reminding travelers to be cautious of vacation deals that appear too good to be true. Some “bargain” or “free” vacation offers may include hidden fees that ultimately cost significantly more than booking through a trusted travel agency or website.

Vacation packages with vague details may also be a red flag. Offers advertising “5-star” resorts or “luxury” cruises without providing full details could be scams. Raoul’s office said consumers should look elsewhere if an agency refuses to provide hotel addresses, cruise names, flight information or confirmation numbers.

Consumers should also be wary of companies that pressure them to make fast decisions or provide credit card information before a reservation is confirmed. According to Raoul’s office, Illinois law requires travel retailers to provide booking details upon receipt of funds.

Raoul’s office also warned that vacation rentals requiring payment through wire transfer, gift cards, payment apps or cryptocurrency are often signs of a scam. Paying by credit card may provide stronger fraud and cancellation protections.

Consumers can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and, for payments made through the mail, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Raoul is also reminding travelers of their rights when flights are delayed or canceled. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to refund travelers money or airline miles in certain situations, including canceled or significantly delayed flights, significantly delayed baggage returns and cases where travelers do not receive extra services they paid for.

Consumers who believe an airline did not follow federal delay, cancellation or delayed baggage policies can contact the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.

Illinoisans who believe they have been victims of a travel scam can file a complaint on the Attorney General’s website or call the office’s Consumer Fraud Hotlines at:

Chicago: 1-800-386-5438Springfield: 1-800-243-0618Carbondale: 1-800-243-0607Spanish-language hotline: 1-866-310-8398