As the holiday season approaches, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued her Travel Tips alert to help consumers avoid common travel scams. This is part of her ongoing Holiday Scams Campaign. With many Michiganders planning trips, caution is advised when booking and taking vacations.
"Traveling should be a time of joy and relaxation, not stress and scams," said Nessel. "Remaining informed and cautious can help you protect your trip and your wallet. My office is committed to helping Michigan residents stay one step ahead of bad actors this holiday season."
Nessel provides several recommendations for travelers, whether they are booking online or through a travel agent:
- Research agents and booking sites: Verify phone numbers and websites independently rather than relying on web search results. Check reviews, seek personal recommendations, and consult the Better Business Bureau as well as the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team for information.
- Get promises in writing: Request that all agreements be provided in writing, including any special requests or terms.
- Read contracts carefully: Pay close attention to fine print, fees, and service charges, especially for “all-inclusive” deals. Make copies of all documents to dispute any unexpected fees.
- Pay with a credit card: Avoid paying for travel with cash, checks, or prepaid cards. Use a credit card if possible, preferably a designated travel credit card for booking flights, hotels, and other expenses. Credit cards offer better fraud and cancellation protections than other payment methods.
The alert also lists some common travel scams that travelers should avoid:
- Online Booking Scams: Ensure you are booking directly on the hotel’s official website. Third-party booking sites may charge hidden fees or fail to honor special requests.
- “Pizza Flyer” Scam: Flyers slipped under hotel doors advertising local food delivery may be fraudulent. Do not give your credit card information to unknown sources.
- Fake Front Desk Calls: Scammers may call your hotel room claiming to be from the front desk requesting your credit card information due to a “computer glitch.” Always verify by calling the front desk directly.
- Bait-and-Switch Tactics: Be wary of offers with unrealistically low prices that result in additional charges or pressure to buy more expensive services.
For further resources, Pure Michigan offers travel tips within the state. The Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. State Department provide valuable information for domestic and international travelers.
If you believe you have been a victim of a travel scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form