FraudBaron.com

The state Attorney General's office said Tuesday it has placed numerous fraud and larceny counts against Joseph Ehrenreich, 40, owner of Destination Management Group of Buffalo. Investigators allege Ehrenreich allegedly stole more than $90,000 in payments from more than 20 consumers, businesses and nonprofits for cruises he never booked. Among the nonprofit groups, including workers and volunteers, who were victimized include the Hospice and Palliative Care Group of Niagara County, the Meals on Wheels Foundation of Western New York and the Beechwood/Blocher Foundation. The AG's complaint said Ehrenreich offered businesses and other organizations a program where they could pay to have unlimited access to cruise vouchers. Those organizations would then distribute the vouchers as fund-raising tools, marketing incentives or employee rewards. Ehrenreich allegedly claimed he would handle all travel arrangements, based on his extensive relationships with major cruise lines and his memberships with the International Airlines Travel Agents Network and the Cruise Lines International Association. In fact, investigators said, he was not affiliated with either trade group. According to the complaint, Ehrenreich often convinced the consumers to upgrade their vouchers, costing thousands of dollars more in additional charges. He would then require consumers to make immediate payment by check or cash to "hold" the reservation - he would not accept credit card payments. After receiving payment, Ehrenreich would issue an invoice with phony cruise line confirmation and IATAN accreditation codes. Consumers following up on such bookings later learned those trips were never reserved.