Imagine paying thousands of dollars for a destination wedding or luxury cruise, only to discover the trip was never booked. Police say that is exactly what happened to several clients of a Long Island travel agent.
Authorities allege Tavia Thomas, owner of Destiny Travel in East Meadow, scammed multiple customers throughout 2024 by collecting payments for trips that never existed. One couple reportedly paid nearly $8,000 for a destination wedding venue but never received confirmation or a refund.
Detectives say the alleged fraud extended beyond wedding travel. Thomas, 47, of Hempstead, is accused of taking more than $35,000 from nine people for a Royal Caribbean cruise. When the group arrived to board the ship, they were informed their reservations were fraudulent and the cruise had not been booked.
Police also say Thomas collected more than $10,000 for a 75th birthday celebration in the Dominican Republic involving 50 family members. Investigators allege hotel accommodations were never paid for, and no refunds were issued.
Destiny Travel previously operated out of a storefront at The Meadows shopping center, which has since been taken over by a non-travel-related business.
Thomas has been charged with grand larceny and scheme to defraud. Police are asking anyone who believes they may also be a victim to contact authorities by calling 911.
