The holiday season is prime time for travel and unfortunately, it's also peak season for scammers looking to take advantage of tourists. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued an alert to help travelers avoid becoming prey to these fraudulent schemes. In her Holiday Scams Campaign, AG Nessel emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant when making travel plans. "Traveling should be a time of joy and relaxation, not stress and scams," Nessel told the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
Nessel's office suggests a few key steps to secure your holiday travels, which include researching booking agents and sites to confirm their legitimacy. Although it's easy to be swayed by convenience, the Attorney General's Office cautions consumers to independently verify phone numbers and websites and to not rely solely on web search results. "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 advised. Travelers are also urged to get everything in writing, read contracts carefully, and use credit cards that provide better protection against fraud and cancellations, as reported by the Michigan Department of Attorney General.
The Attorney General's office warns about common scams, including fake online booking sites that offer non-existent reservations or hidden fees. Tourists should also be cautious of "pizza flyer" scams and fake front desk calls, where fraudsters try to steal credit card details. Another scam is the bait-and-switch, where unrealistically low prices are used to lure travelers into paying for more expensive services.
To arm yourself against these ploys, the Attorney General recommends visiting sites like Pure Michigan for in-state travel tips. Additional resources can be found through the Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. State Department, which offer extensive information for both domestic and international travelers. If you suspect you've been targeted by a scam, Nessel encourages contacting the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team immediately.
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