A Florida couple has been arrested for defrauding people of more than $200,000.
To scam people, they booked fake Royal Cruise reservations and luxury watches that were never delivered.
The fraudsters are Antonio Diaz, 65, and Maria Blasco Diaz, 64. The couple was arrested on April 7 and now faces criminal charges.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office reported that the couple collected approximately $200,259.85 over three years by scamming people.
The couple used to scam people by claiming they could get special discounts through a friend who worked for Royal Caribbean. They also attracted people by offering exclusive packages, room upgrades, beverage packages and travel insurance for Royal Caribbean.
One of the victims even paid the couple $44,910 for a family reservation for Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas scheduled for July 9, 2023.
However, until now, she has never received any updates. Responding to her repeated requests, Blasco Diaz made several excuses, ultimately claiming that his friend had been fired.
Upon direct contact with Royal Caribbean, they established that although the reservation was valid, it was not for her or any of her family members. Payments made by the couple for their partial reimbursement failed due to insufficient funds.
The couple allegedly received nearly $139,000 in deposits for 16 Rolex watches and one Patek Philippe watch, thanks to a 50 percent discount given because Antonio Diaz worked at a jewelry store.
Blasco initially confessed to the crime and said her husband “had nothing to do with it.”
So far, the couple has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they face up to 30 years in prison.
How to avoid Royal Caribbean booking scams?
Officials asked users to immediately confirm the reservation number on Royal Caribbean’s website or app to ensure it exists. Also, never pay in advance and use the phone number directly on the official Royal Caribbean website for authentic contact.
