News

Travel agent on fraud rap suffers stroke

By STEPHANIE ELLIOTT, STAR Writer

clarendon

A TRAVEL AGENT arrested for fraudulent conversion is under police guard at the May Pen Hospital after she reportedly suffered a stroke after learning of her customers' intention to reclaim monies paid to her for airfares to overseas destinations.

She is Ingrid Masters of Travel Facts located at Bryants Crescent in May Pen, Clarendon.

When THE STAR visited the May Pen Police Station, persons were seen making their report to the police about the various business transactions they did with Masters' company. Not only were there claims of fraud for airline tickets purchased, but also that of passport renewal and new passport applications.

One woman, who requested anonymity, said she purchased an airline ticket several weeks ago and went to the airport on her scheduled flight date. On arrival, she said she was informed by customer representatives that her seat was reserved but not paid for.

She not only expressed anger, but also disappointment, as she had been doing business with Masters for years, and had come to respect and admire her. "She disappoint mi man, mi no expect dis from Ingrid."

Another man, who has lost his job in the UK, is yet to return home since June of this year. He and his wife purchased airline tickets at Travel Facts to return to the UK. Close to the return date, Masters came to their home to inform them that she had cancelled their flight.

Since then, the couple says they have been back and forth with Ms Masters to either collect their airfare or have their money returned to them. But those attempts have failed.

Computers and other documents belonging to the travel service have been seized by the May Pen CIB.

Several complainants say they are not willing to file an official report against Masters, but are adamant that they want a refund of their monies.