Authorities probe alleged travel scams

SYCAMORE - At least two Sycamore area families believed they were getting a travel package at an unbelievable price, but all now suspect they were getting scammed. On Dec. 7 and 9, Dyer, Ind.-based American Travel and Management held two presentations at a local banquet hall about a travel club they were offering. The company is well known to Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office. It has 33 complaints filed about the company and in November, the office filed suit in Cook County Circuit Court against company manager Kevin B. Raines of Crown Point, Ind., and Francine M. Bauer of McHenry for allegedly luring customers with their club sales presentation and misleading them with false claims about free trips and features of a travel membershi