5 Travel Agency Employees in QC Arrested for Deceiving Customers
Five employees of a travel agency in Quezon City were arrested during a police operation due to alleged fraudulent activities.
The arrest took place in Barangay Teachers Village East as authorities responded to complaints from more than 20 individuals who sought the assistance of the Anonas Police Station. The travel agency employees are accused of accepting payments from clients without actually booking their intended trips.
The victims, who had paid approximately P89,000 for a group package, including airfare and hotel accommodation for a four-day vacation in Boracay, were left disappointed when their plans fell through.
The victims discovered that, despite making bank transfers to settle their fees, the travel agency failed to secure their bookings. As a result, they were unable to proceed with their planned vacation.
Further investigation revealed that the travel agency had faced similar complaints in 2023, leading to the arrest of some of its employees at that time.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Ferdinand Casiano, Anonas Police Station Commander, the company has a history of relocating its offices whenever it faces scrutiny.
“Itong kumpanyang ito ay palipat-lipat lang sa lugar. ‘Pag sila ay nabulabog na, lilipat na naman sila ng opisina. Una, may mga flight sila na pinatutuloy pero kapag maramihang booking na at alam na ang tao ay puwedeng lokohin saka nila ito hindi ibu-book,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Casiano.
Among the victims are individuals who had intended to travel to Hong Kong, and the alleged deceptive practices have left them frustrated and out of pocket. The suspects will be facing charges of syndicated estafa, a serious offense related to large-scale fraud.
Previously, court dismisses fraud case vs individuals posing as Sen. Gatchalian’s staff
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