The state of Hawaii has joined in a multi-state, multi-national law enforcement effort to combat deceptive travel promoters.

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection announced today that it had joined the effort being led by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which has announced 80 civil enforcement actions by the commission and 28 states; more than 58 criminal prosecutions brought by U.S. attorneys and local law enforcement agencies nationwide, and 24 enforcement actions by international law enforcement agencies in eight countries.

Consumers should watch for red flags in travel scams including promises that a consumer has “won a free vacation” but some fees must be paid up front; a company offering a prize wants a credit card number; and for phone calls, texts or emails that arrive out of the blue offering travel or other prizes.

Officials recommend researching official government websites or the Better Business Bureau website before engaging with any such company.