San Jose Travel Fraud Scheme Targets Vietnamese Community
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- San Jose police are investigating a travel agency fraud scheme in which several members of the Vietnamese community were targeted.
Numerous members of the Vietnamese community called police on June 29 to report that they had been defrauded from 2010 to 2011 by the owner of Asia Travel & Tours travel agency at 1816 Tully Road, according to police.
They alleged that the travel agency owner promised them he would purchase airfare and make travel arrangements in exchange for their money, but he kept the money and did not render the services, police said.
Some of the victims realized they had been duped last month after arriving at the airport and discovering that the owner of the travel agency had not purchased airline tickets or made other travel arrangements for which they had paid, police said.
The agency has since closed its doors for business, and the owner's whereabouts are unknown, police said.
Investigators are in the process of seeking an arrest warrant for the owner.
Police believe there are additional victims who purchased travel services months in advance and paid the owner for the services last year.
Victims may file a report at the San Jose Police Department, located at 201 W. Mission St., San Jose.
They are asked to reference case No. 11-184-9514 and provide as much documentation or transaction receipts as possible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Hau Ngo at (408) 277-4521. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-STOP (7867) or visit their website at www.svcrimestoppers.org.
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