Quantcast

Cruise passenger loses $3,500 after booking through fake travel agent

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Cruise passenger loses $3,500 after booking through fake travel agent
Research
Webp b50wtm592y9yquyl5mp3mt1xfqgo
Gene Sloan Cruise team lead | The Points Guy

When L. Williams booked a Caribbean cruise, she believed she was dealing with a travel agent from Carnival Cruise Line. Unfortunately, the individual was a scammer, and it took five years for her to realize she had lost $3,500.

Williams enjoyed a weeklong cruise aboard Carnival Freedom in December 2019 without knowing of the impending issue. In 2024, as her family planned another Carnival cruise, Williams discovered that her reservation had disappeared from her account. After contacting Carnival, she learned that her name had been added to the "Do Not Sail" list because the previous cruise had been paid with a stolen credit card.

"I was stunned," said Williams. "The credit card used for payment was reported stolen after our trip." Despite being asked to repay $3,500 to Carnival, there was no guarantee of being removed from the list.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Consumer reporter and mediator Christopher Elliott explained that Williams made several mistakes when booking the 2019 cruise. Her first error was not vetting the travel agent who turned out to be unaffiliated with Carnival Cruise Line. Another mistake was paying for the cruise using Zelle instead of a credit card.

Elliott advised against using cash or instant money transfers like Zelle due to lack of purchase protection. He suggested researching travel agents and agencies before booking and emphasized using credit cards for payments to protect against fraud.

Carnival declined to comment on Williams' situation but stated that legitimate consultants would never request payment via apps like Zelle.

Elliott recommended checking agents' credentials through organizations such as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) or Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). He also mentioned AAA's vetted professionals as reliable options.

In summary, thorough research and using credit cards can prevent vacation scams. Elliott offers assistance through ombudsman@thepointsguy.com for those facing similar issues.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

British Airways is the leading foreign long-haul airline serving the United States.

Jun 5, 2025

United Airlines has completed a deal with the Chicago Department of Aviation to acquire five additional gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

Boeing has reached a production milestone, achieving a monthly output of 38 737 MAX aircraft for the first time since 2020.

Jun 5, 2025

At 14:12 local time on June 2, an Allegiant Air Airbus A320 experienced engine failure shortly after taking off from Huntington Tri-State Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

The UK government has initiated a comprehensive airspace modernization program, marking the first significant update since the 1950s.

Jun 5, 2025

Global Airlines has addressed speculation about its future operations, denying any intention to operate as an ACMI carrier using Airbus A380 aircraft.

Jun 5, 2025