With the official start of summer beckoning travelers to pack their bags, Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel serves up a timely reminder to be aware of potential travel pitfalls as vacations swing into high gear – a message that resonates beyond the Great Lakes state’s borders, all savvy travelers might take heed. In a recently released video, Nessel emphasizes the need for consumer vigilance, pointing out that the long-awaited leisure shouldn’t be marred by scams savvy enough to spoil those hard-earned moments of respite.
"Summer is the perfect time to create lasting memories with your family, and that experience shouldn't be disrupted by financial headaches or travel scams," the Michigan Attorney General expressed concern over the vulnerability of vacation plans to a gamut of scams that prey on the unprepared, especially during peak travel times when many are looking to unwind, but stay alert. Among the key advisements for travelers, Nessel stresses the importance of independently verifying travel agents and booking sites, making sure all deals and promises land in writing, and keeping a sharp eye on the fine print – contracts come with their fair share of fees and service charges that might otherwise jump out as unpleasant surprises. Also paramount, the Attorney General suggests, is the use of credit cards, which offer a shield against fraud, preferable over paying with less secure methods like cash, checks, or prepaid cards.
Fraudulent activities are not confined to the digital realm – Attorney General Nessel brought attention to common offline scams too, like the notorious “Pizza Flyer” scam where flyers advertising local food delivery, slipped under your door might be nothing more than a ruse to nab your credit card details; fake front desk calls are another huckster’s favorite, so verify any such requests by contacting the front desk directly. Moreover, increased fees and surcharges may shadow this season's travels as businesses adjust rates to counterbalance inflation and tariffs, so a thorough check of all costs is advised.
