The Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s office has arrested Ernest Grossman, accusing him of defraud about 75 people in a cruise ship ticket scheme that left cruise ship travelers high and dry.
Grossman, age 69, is charged with swindling over $90,000 from clients.
Ernest Grossman - Cruise Associates Int
Accused Of Fraud In Cruise Ship Ticket Scheme
June 29, 2007
He was charged with organized fraud, for allegedly running a business named Cruise Associates International, selling clients first class luxury cruise tickets, but the tickets were never booked or paid in full, leaving travelers at the dock with partially paid tickets, or no tickets at all.
Detectives say that after victims would pay the full cost of the trip, he instead only paid a deposit to the cruise lines, keeping the rest of the money for himself.
In December 2006, state investigators subpoenaed his bank accounts and, in January 2007, Grossman was questioned by Coral Springs police and claimed the missing money was the result of "poor bookkeeping," according to the arrest warrant.
Victims are from several counties including Palm Beach and Broward. But, investigators say the cases they have now, are just the tip of the iceberg.
Grossman lives in Tamarac, Florida.
His clients were mostly retired citizens, living in retirement communities. Some clients lost nearly $2,000, while most lost at least $1,000.
People victimized by this individual or his company should contact the Broward County Sheriff.
This is becoming a recent common problem in Florida. Other recent Florida fraud cases involving cruise ship travel agents are below.
