For a recent high school graduate in Lake County, Illinois, the arrival of a taco truck was supposed to be the highlight of her graduation party. But the truck her mom paid nearly $400 for never showed up.
Now, the family wants to share their story to help others avoid falling for the same scam.
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"Because other families are going to have parties, and I didn’t want any other child to be disappointed like my daughter was," Kim Koukal told CBS News.
After discovering that others had similar experiences, she decided to speak out so more parties wouldn’t be ruined.
What did an investigation into the food truck find?
Koukal told CBS News that she used Facebook to find a food vendor for her daughter’s party. She was contacted by a man named Arnold Vallejo, who claimed to run Arnold’s Taco Truck.
She signed a contract and sent him $390 for a deposit via Zelle, about half of what the service was expected to cost. But as the party date approached, communication slowed. And her final call to confirm the event was never returned.
"Nothing. And then the afternoon, nothing, and the evening, nothing," Koukal said, "and then I started to get sick to my stomach. I could not sleep."
CBS News Chicago was able to reach the food vendor by phone. He said he’d been hospitalized, which is why he missed the party, and promised to refund her $390 deposit. But reporters found other customers had similar issues dating back years.
In 2022, another customer filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, claiming the truck never showed up and Vallejo didn’t communicate or provide any food.
Vallejo denied that the BBB report was about his business, but the contact details matched photos from his Facebook page. Koukal also said she spoke with other Facebook users who said that Vallejo had ghosted them too.
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.
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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.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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