Last night we anxiously tuned into the Australian broadcast program A Current Affair for the big night: we were finally going to see Australian travel agent scammer Chivonne Betts put to justice. Unfortunately that was not the case. We instead got a video report of Betts being followed around and badgered with questions while at a restaurant, along with the sad story of a couple she ripped off.
Not only did ACA make us think Betts had been apprehended by plastering “Gotcha” on a photo of her in their teaser, but the program also apparently misreported the couple’s story.
ACA reported that the couple booked a wedding package through Betts’ company Bali Indulgence for $8,000 then had 30 of their friends book fights and accommodation through the company as well.
“The number of people affected and the amount of money was incorrect on the report,” said Betts victim Karina Theel, as told exclusively to Coconuts Bali. “60 of our 80 wedding guests paid Bali Indulgence,” said Theel. Those updated numbers mean Betts walked away with even more from the couple. When asked about the actual dollar figure that Betts got away with, Theel declined to correct the number. “The money isn’t our greatest concern,” she told Coconuts Bali.
A host of complaints have been lodged against Bali Indulgence, which apparently is not legally licensed in Australia. Forums like TripAdvisor have extended conversations warning against Betts and her scamming tactics. Countless stories are now out there of people planning family vacations or weddings like Theel, only to discover no reservations booked after they had given hundreds or thousands of dollars to Bali Indulgence. What is it with Australian travel agencies lately? Perth-based Bali D’Luxe went belly up recently, putting its clients out by taking their money and not making bookings—though reportedly for bankruptcy reasons and not to make a quick buck like Betts.
Even though ACA say they hunted Betts down in Brisbane for the report, the investigation by Victorian police is still ongoing and she is still out there, allegedly hiding out with family and friends. But Theel remains optimistic. “It’s not the end,” she commented on the Bali Blacklist Facebook page. “She was exposed on TV, the police hadn’t found her yet, now they will, it’s a start for us.”
It seems the most that Theel and other Betts victims can do at the moment is let the investigation take its course. “I’m just going to leave it now. Hopefully the police act swiftly and justice is served for all of the other victims,” said Theel in a message to Coconuts Bali.
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