FBI Probes Chicago Agency, Vet Your Travel Advisor

Published on Aug 10, 2025, 9:44 am CDT

5 min read

The FBI has opened an investigation into Flygirl World Travel after travelers nationwide said they paid for trips that were never booked, leaving some stranded overseas. ABC7 Chicago first detailed the claims, including a group that arrived in Aruba to learn their resort had no record of payment. The agency's owner later told clients she shut down due to "financial mistakes," while denying intent to defraud. The FBI is now urging potential victims to come forward. The episode underscores why choosing a credible travel advisor, with verifiable credentials, matters more than ever.

Key Points

Why it matters: FBI inquiry highlights growing travel-scam risk and the need to vet any travel advisor. * Travel impact: Some travelers report canceled reservations and out-of-pocket costs to salvage trips. * What's next: FBI asks additional victims to file complaints to build the case record. * IC3 logged over $16 billion in internet-crime losses in 2024, a 33 percent jump. * BBB and ASTA offer tools to locate and verify reputable agencies and advisors.

Snapshot

ABC7 Chicago reports that Flygirl World Travel's clients in several states allege they paid thousands for hotels and packages that were never secured. In one case, a birthday trip to Aruba collapsed at check-in after the resort found reservations had been canceled for nonpayment. The owner later emailed customers saying the business was closed because of "bad business choices," but insisted she did not set out to scam anyone. The FBI confirms it is investigating and wants potential victims to submit complaints. These events align with broader fraud trends the FBI tracks through its Internet Crime Complaint Center, which reported more than $16 billion in losses last year.

Background

Consumer agencies have long warned that travel scams spike when demand is strong. The Better Business Bureau advises travelers to research agencies, read recent reviews, confirm refund policies in writing, and prefer firms with verifiable accreditation. It also suggests checking association memberships, including the American Society of Travel Advisors, whose members commit to a code of ethics and maintain a public "Find a Travel Advisor" directory. These resources make it easier to confirm that a travel professional is accountable, transparent, and reachable if plans change. Using a reputable, credentialed advisor can reduce risk and deliver better outcomes when something goes wrong.

Latest Developments

FBI urges complaints through IC3 to document losses

The FBI told ABC7 Chicago it believes Flygirl World Travel collected money, canceled reservations, and did not provide refunds. The bureau is asking anyone who believes they lost money to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, which aggregates cases and helps investigators spot patterns across jurisdictions. Submitting a detailed report, including contracts, receipts, and correspondence, strengthens the record. You can file a complaint at IC3.gov, and you may also contact your local FBI field office if you prefer an in-person appointment. File a report at IC3.gov: https://www.ic3.gov?utm_source=adept.travel.

How to verify a travel advisor before you pay

Ask about professional credentials, fees, and how funds are handled. Look for BBB accreditation, current business standing with your state, and membership in associations such as ASTA or CLIA for cruise specialists. Confirm the advisor will issue supplier confirmations in your name and provide payment receipts from the airline, cruise line, or hotel. Pay with a credit card for chargeback protections, and avoid wire or cash equivalents. To find vetted professionals bound by a code of ethics, use ASTA's directory: https://www.asta.org/travelerServices/advisor-directory?utm_source=adept.travel.

Analysis, travel advisor value

A credible travel advisor is an accountability partner, an advocate, and a time saver. The best advisors translate complex fare rules, hotel terms, and supplier change policies into clear choices that fit your goals and budget. During disruptions, they escalate through industry contacts, secure rebooking options, and troubleshoot refunds that individual travelers often struggle to unlock. Professional affiliations matter because they signal standards, ethics, and training, while BBB accreditation adds a layer of marketplace accountability and a public complaint record. In this case, the FBI's request for reports shows how critical documentation and due diligence are, and why working with a trusted professional reduces exposure. Editors' note: The Adept Traveler, based in Elgin, Illinois, is BBB accredited and recognized by LUXlife's 2024 Hospitality Awards, a reminder to look for verifiable credentials and third-party recognition when you choose an advisor.

Final Thoughts

The alleged scheme under investigation is a pointed reminder to slow down, verify, and document every payment. Use directories and accreditation tools, insist on supplier confirmations, and keep screenshots of receipts and terms. When problems arise, file promptly with IC3 and your card issuer. Most importantly, build a relationship with a qualified, credentialed professional who can plan well, advocate for you, and help when the unexpected happens. In a crowded market, trust and verification are the traveler's edge, and they start with a proven travel advisor.