Quantcast

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

Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
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

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform, to bring a curated selection of anime content to its flights.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women, marking its return to the list since 2019.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary by serving as the official airline of the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

Oct 23, 2025

American Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new Flagship Suites, the airline's latest business-class product.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce a new in-flight dining partnership with Chef José Andrés, bringing Spanish-inspired cuisine to select cabins starting November 4.

Oct 23, 2025