FBI was conscious of Omaha journey agent considerations earlier than purchasers misplaced more cash, investigation finds

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Clients who paid upfront for journeys bought a message from the journey agent who left them with canceled reservations.

A First Alert 6 investigation first introduced this case to gentle final week. Tonight, new data provides to the purchasers’ frustration.

The cancellation electronic mail

Clients of Captivating Travels by Connie acquired an electronic mail informing them their journeys had been canceled.

“Saying they are no longer in business, and all our reservations have been canceled,” mentioned Stacy Russ, a consumer.

The electronic mail promised refunds could be issued by the right channels.

“Also, it’s not so much about the money — it’s about the memories she has taken away from our families and our kids, really,” Russ mentioned.

A Facebook web page titled “Connie Seastedt Victims” has 242 members. Traci Lutt says about 100 friends to her daughter’s Dominican Republic vacation spot marriage ceremony paid upfront for bookings by Captivating Travels by Connie.

“It’s not just a little bit here and there. No money has been received by the resort,” Lutt mentioned. When requested how a lot cash was concerned, Lutt mentioned, “Two hundred thousand — we’re not quite sure.”

Where purchasers can flip

Donna Dutcher of Celebrate Travel says purchasers of Connie Seastedt might have one other avenue to pursue.

“They can maybe go back to the host agency who she worked under and see if they have any insurance that would cover fraud. In order to even operate as a travel agent, she’s under someone,” Dutcher mentioned.

Captivating Travels by Connie has issued refunds to a number of purchasers, however 5 checks written to 1 couple all bounced.

FBI involvement predates current losses

First Alert 6 has realized that as much as eight months earlier than dozens of purchasers misplaced 1000’s of {dollars} in pay as you go journeys canceled by Captivating Travels by Connie, a journey administration firm had terminated her contract and reported her to the FBI.

Neither the corporate nor its lawyer needed to be named whereas the investigation is ongoing, however the lawyer despatched an electronic mail stating the FBI turned concerned shortly after considerations about Seastedt had been reported on June 18, 2025.

More than eight months later, Heidi Gatling despatched Connie Seastedt a $13,000 wire switch for a visit that was later canceled.

“My money could have been saved if this had been handled a year ago — over a year ago when they found out about this. And a lot of our money, actually, a lot of us,” Gatling mentioned.

A Federal Bureau of Investigation spokesperson mentioned the FBI is conscious of the allegations. However, the FBI doesn’t touch upon whether or not an investigation is underway.s right now.”