A woman has been banned from sailing after falling victim to a scam that saw her pay for a cruise with Zelle, only for the consultant to pocket the money and use a stolen credit card.
L. Williams's family vacation took an unfortunate turn when she fell victim to an elaborate Zelle scam while booking a cruise. She found a cruise consultant online who offered a great price for a week-long trip on the Carnival Freedom but only accepted payment through Zelle. Trusting the consultant, she sent a total of $3,556, and the family enjoyed a memorable trip sailing through the Western Caribbean. However, five years later, when Williams attempted to book another cruise, she discovered that her previous payment had devastating consequences.
Carnival informed Williams that she had been placed on their Do Not Sail list due to the scam orchestrated by the consultant. The consultant had pocketed her Zelle payment and used a stolen credit card to book the family's trip. When the legitimate cardholder reported the fraudulent charge, Carnival subsequently blamed Williams, leading to her being banned for life from booking any further cruises with the company. The situation became more complicated as she now owes the same amount she had already paid for the cruise, which has resulted in a lasting financial and emotional burden.
Despite the nightmare, Williams's story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of digital payments, especially when dealing with unknown consultants online. The scammer remains elusive with a disconnected phone, leaving Williams with the consequences of a trip that should have been a joyful family memory. The article concludes with practical advice on booking cruises and flights, emphasizing the importance of verified payment methods in avoiding such scams.
