Cruisers Beware: Did this Woman Rip You Off?

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They say that if it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t, and that has definitely proven to be the case where cruise vouchers sold by Janet Marilyn Bender were concerned. So far, at least nine different customers have learned that the deal she sold them was as fake as a $15 bill!

The Scam

According to Florida’s WFLA, Bender – who operated as an independent travel agent through CruiseOne travel – sold her customers vouchers which supposedly covered the entire cost of a cruise in a balcony cabin. The price? Between $200 and $500. (Red flag No. 1.) She also asked that customers pay by cash or check payable directly to her. (Red flag No 2!) It was when people who had purchased the vouchers attempted to schedule their cruise that they realized the horrible truth: They had been ripped off by a pro.

She’s Done It Before!

The news outlet reports that this is not the first time Bender has pulled this particular scam. Although Bender has been charged with seven counts of grand theft, police seem to suspect there may be more victims who are as yet unaware that they’ve been ripped off. With that in mind, they are asking that if you or someone you know suspect they were victimized by Bender, they call the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 582-6200.

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