Hawaii travel agent pleads guilty in Bay Area scam
2 min read
A Hawaii vacation agent formerly from Milpitas has pleaded responsible following defrauding dozens of Bay Spot people, some of whom had been her outdated classmates and family close friends.
Wendy Wong, the proprietor of a journey company named House of Aloha Hawaii, pleaded guilty to two felony violations Aug. 23 for failing to return revenue for journey expert services not provided and for illegally withdrawing resources from business enterprise accounts, the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office reported Monday.
According to a KGO investigation from 2021, Wong would deploy a litany of excuses for why flights and accommodations were being not booked — alleging that inclement weather conditions and airline problems brought about cancellations. Wong hardly ever booked the flights or resorts in the to start with put.
Jennifer Sioxson, a family members pal of Wong’s, instructed KGO that she was left devoid of a resort by the time she arrived to Hawaii for a holiday vacation. She was compelled to pay for a hotel out-of-pocket, she advised KGO, but was offered the runaround by Wong when questioned for a refund.
“She was a relatives friend, our youngsters are friends, she’s hosted my young ones at her residence several moments, so you know, it can be just, I assumed she’d come all around,” Sioxson told the station.
Wong was not accredited by the condition of Hawaii to be a travel agent, according to the Far better Business enterprise Bureau. The Better Company Bureau also cited Dwelling of Aloha Hawaii, stating that the business “acquired a sample of problems relating to deal and support troubles” from afflicted consumers.
Wong is scheduled to be sentenced in November. If she pays $155,000 in restitution to her former purchasers, she will not confront jail time — but will be on felony probation for two several years.
Santa Clara County Deputy District Legal professional Tamalca Harris did not answer to a request for comment from SFGATE.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
