A couple from Florida is facing allegations of defrauding a longtime friend of a substantial amount—around $200,000—through promises of cruise vacations and high-end jewelry, as reported by authorities.
Antonio Diaz, 65, and Maria Blasco Diaz, 64, were taken into custody recently for allegedly running a “large-scale fraud scheme” that targeted multiple victims, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
In 2023, Blasco Diaz supposedly claimed to a victim that he could secure “discounts on cruises and trips” via a connection at Royal Caribbean, as detailed in an arrest affidavit. The victim and her family ended up transferring about $44,910 to the Diaz through various means, including checks and cash, in exchange for promises of cruise trips, drink packages, and other travel perks.
As the departure date for the planned “Sea Odyssey” voyage on July 9, 2023, drew closer, Blasco Diaz allegedly made numerous excuses for why travel documents weren’t submitted. Eventually, he provided the victim with a check for partial reimbursement and mentioned covering the rest through a credit line, but the check was drawn from an account with insufficient funds, according to court documents.
Upon checking with the cruise line, the victim learned that the travel reservation number given by Blasco Diaz was not valid for her or her family.
The couple reportedly also claimed they were to receive a 50% discount at Diaz’s jewelry store, taking in nearly $139,000 in deposits for 16 Rolex watches and one Patek Philippe watch since 2022. They also received payment for $3,000 worth of diamond earrings at a supposed discount.
Despite the repeated excuses from the Diaz couple, none of the promised luxury items were ever delivered, and victims received no compensation for their losses.
During a court session, one victim expressed that her elderly parents and 20 other family members were left in a similar predicament. “Our entire family was deceived by her through our friendship,” she stated, highlighting the trust they had placed in the couple.
Antonio and Maria Diaz now face serious charges, including organized fraud exceeding $50,000, grand larceny in the first degree, and theft targeting an elderly person. Additionally, Blasco Diaz is charged with issuing bad checks, according to official records. Both were ordered to be held on a $35,000 bond.
