Consumer Alert: When you ask for a refund, don't forget to do this

You could lose $1,230 if you forget — or not

Laura Williamson is glad she remembered to check her credit card statement. That's when she discovered that Hyatt had shorted her $1,230 for her canceled stay at Secrets Maroma Beach.

"The company claims it refunded the entire amount," she says, "But it hasn't."

Williamson's experience (and the surprise ending of her case) is a valuable lesson for the rest of us. At a time when the travel industry is flush with profits, some companies are trying to keep as much of your money as possible. And that may mean shortchanging you when you ask for a refund.

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