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Long Island Travel Agent Arraigned on Grand Larceny and Scheme-to-Defraud Charges in Alleged $53K Travel Scam

Police cite more than $53,000 in alleged unbooked trips, prompting a call for additional victims to come forward.

Overview

  • Tavia Thomas, 47, of Hempstead, was arraigned Tuesday in First District Court and pleaded not guilty to multiple counts tied to alleged travel-booking fraud.
  • Nassau County police say the Destiny Travel owner collected money for trips she never booked, with reported losses totaling $53,448.14.
  • Investigators highlighted three 2024 incidents: a $35,753.98 Royal Caribbean cruise from Bayonne deemed fraudulent, $7,660 involving a destination wedding, and $10,034.16 for a Dominican Republic family trip with unpaid accommodations.
  • Victims reported receiving no refunds after learning the bookings did not exist.
  • Prosecutors referenced a criminal history during the hearing, Thomas is due back in court Thursday, and police urged additional victims to contact investigators.