Hempstead woman charged in travel agency fraud that cost victims thousands
According to police, Tavia Thomas, 47, was the sole owner of Destiny Travel located on 1936 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow.
A Hempstead woman has been arrested, accused of posing as a travel agency owner and scamming customers.
According to police, Tavia Thomas, 47, was the sole owner of Destiny Travel located on 1936 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow.
Police say Thomas operated as the sole travel agent and defrauded multiple victims. On July, 8, 2024, police say Thomas received $35,753.98 from nine victims for a Royal Caribbean cruise departing out of Bayonne, New Jersey. Upon arrival, the victims were notified by an employee that their tickets were fraudulent and that the cruise they booked did not exist.
On July 16, 2024, police say Thomas received $5,000 from two victims for a destination wedding. Police say the ALG vacations resort venues were never booked. In addition, several members of the wedding party also made payments to the defendant. The total amount received (including the initial $5,000) was $7,660. The victims never received refunds.
On Sept. 4, 2024, an alleged victim reported that she booked a 75th birthday trip to the Dominican Republic for her mother through Destiny Travel. Police say Thomas received $10,034.16 from the victim and her 50 family members. The accommodations were never paid for by the suspect and no refunds were given.
Thomas is charged with three counts of grand larceny, three counts of scheme to defraud and two counts of grand larceny.
Detective’s request anyone who feels they may have been a victim to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911.
