Chicago mom paid $390 for a taco truck that never showed up at her daughter’s grad party — now she’s warning others not to fall for the same scam

Despite the disappointment, Koukal's daughter and her friends refused to let the scam ruin their celebration. Koukal added more appetizers, and one of her daughter's friends found a silver lining.

"It goes down in history, a little story now," said recent graduate Lily Loos. "But I honestly think [if] you didn't know there was supposed to be a taco truck, you probably wouldn't have known."

As of June 30, Koukal still hadn’t received a refund, according to CBS.

How to avoid falling for a scam

If you're hiring a food truck or vendor, take precautions to avoid getting burned:

• Research thoroughly: Look for reviews on Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. Ask neighbors or check local social media groups to see if anyone’s worked with them.
• Don’t rely on social media alone: Vendors that only advertise platforms like TikTok or Facebook could be based anywhere. Make sure they have a professional website or other local presence.
• Use secure payment methods: Avoid large deposits via Zelle, Cash App or other peer-to-peer platforms, which offer little fraud protection. Use a credit card or PayPal (not “friends and family”) for added security.
• Get it in writing: Always have a contract that outlines services, pricing and cancellation terms. It can help you if you need to take legal action.
• Confirm the time and date: In the days leading up to the event, check regularly to ensure you’re on the same page. If communication stops, that's a major red flag.

If a vendor takes your money and doesn’t show up, start by requesting a refund in writing. Include your contract and proof of payment. If you don’t get a response, report the incident to the police and your state’s consumer protection office. Also consider posting honest reviews on social media, Google and Yelp to warn others.