A New York travel agent is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say she scammed customers out of tens of thousands of dollars for trips that never existed.
Tavia Thomas, the owner of Destiny Travel NY, was arrested and charged on Jan. 6 with multiple felony counts, including three counts of grand larceny in the third degree, three counts of scheme to defraud in the first degree, and two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree, according to the Nassau County Police Department.
Police say the alleged fraud dates back to 2024 and involves multiple victims who believed they had booked luxury vacations, cruises, and destination weddings through Thomas’ agency.
In one of the most costly incidents, investigators say that in July 2024 Thomas collected $35,753.98 from nine customers for a Royal Caribbean cruise. When the group arrived at the cruise port in Bayonne, New Jersey, they were allegedly told by employees that the cruise they had tickets for did not exist.
That same month, police say Thomas received $5,000 from two other clients for a destination wedding at an ALG Vacations resort. According to investigators, the venue was never booked and the money was never refunded. Authorities say Thomas also accepted payments from additional members of the wedding party, none of whom received their money back.
The alleged scams continued into the fall. In September 2024, a victim told police she paid $10,034.16 to book a birthday trip to the Dominican Republic for her mother, herself, and 50 family members. Investigators say Thomas never paid for the accommodations and no refunds were issued.
Thomas was arraigned on Jan. 6 in the First District Court of Hempstead, New York. According to CBS News, she pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court on Thursday, Jan. 8.
Despite the allegations, Destiny Travel NY’s website claims the business has operated since 2016 and advertises high-end travel to destinations including the Maldives, French Polynesia, Croatia, Italy, and Vietnam. The agency also promotes services such as destination wedding planning, group travel coordination, and full travel support.
The site further claims endorsements and certifications from groups including the American Society of Travel Advisors, Sandals Resorts, and Disney Resorts.
However, online reviews paint a far different picture. Reviews on Google and The Knot accuse the agency of taking thousands of dollars from customers and failing to deliver trips or provide refunds. The Better Business Bureau has also issued Destiny Travel NY an F rating, citing a failure to respond to multiple complaints.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone who believes they may be a victim to contact the Nassau County Police Department.
Actually I would not go to this lady
Old Blackie strikes again.
Homegurl looks shady.