DOJ secures $1.8m in restitution in travel case

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Justice has agreed to a $2.3 million settlement to resolve two travel scam cases.

The deal resolves cases against Travel Services Inc., in Outagamie and Waukesha counties alleging deceptive marketing practices about memberships in its travel clubs and discounts.

The DOJ says according to a court order entered on Friday, $1.8 million will be set aside as restitution for Wisconsin residents who purchased memberships in the Castaways Vacations Club, Phoenix Vacation Club or Outrigger Vacation Club. The rest will go to forfeitures and to cover DOJ’s prosecution costs.

DOJ spokeswoman Anne Schwartz didn’t immediately return messages Monday. Travel Services LLC’s attorney, Ed Hannan, declined comment. He said he couldn’t speak about the case without written authorization from his client and he couldn’t reach the company.