Introduction to the Scam
More than a dozen Haitians claim they were scammed by a South Florida woman who promised to help them immigrate to the U.S. with false promises. These individuals sent thousands of dollars to the woman but never received the promised immigration services.
The Victims’ Stories
One of the victims, Virgil Widmy, wants to take his family away from the violence in Haiti and start a new life in the United States. However, the "company" that was supposed to help him immigrate has left him stranded in the Dominican Republic for nearly a year. Virgil says he can’t go back to his country and is stuck in the Dominican Republic. A friend recommended Virgil use Charluna #1 Travel Agency in North Miami to get a visa and move to the U.S. Virgil called the agency and says he spoke to a woman named Lunie Pierre. He says Pierre promised to get him a visa to Mexico, where he could then apply for temporary protected status in the U.S.
The Scam Unfolds
Virgil says he paid the agency an $8,000 deposit, then he sent an additional $4,508 after arriving in the Dominican Republic. But Virgil says Pierre ghosted him right before his flight to Mexico. Another victim, Amide Joseph, says she had a similar situation when she tried to get a visa for her brother. She paid Pierre $4,000, but the day her brother was supposed to leave Haiti and head to the U.S., he and the other people traveling with him were stopped at the airport. Their tickets were checked, and they were told that their tickets were not in the system because they were not paid.
Investigation and Findings
7 Investigates spoke with more than a dozen people in Haiti and South Florida who say they paid thousands of dollars to the travel agency or Lunie Pierre for immigration help, but never got to the U.S. Amide Joseph says Pierre doesn’t want to refund the money, and the money is gone. 7 Investigates called Lunie Pierre, but she refused to answer any questions. A former customer filed a complaint against Pierre and Charluna #1 Travel Agency with the state, claiming Pierre gave them "a fake Brazilian visa and failed to deliver the promised services." Pierre denied the claims and said she doesn’t own a travel agency.
Expert Advice
Immigration attorney Patricia Elizee says if you want to move to the U.S, your best option is to hire a lawyer because it’s a long process. Right now, the only legal option most Haitians have is to get a visa in a different country, then go to the U.S. Embassy and try to be accepted as a third country national. Elizee warns that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. She advises people not to take risks with their funds or immigration status.
Conclusion
The scam has left many Haitians stranded and hopeless. Virgil Widmy is still stuck in the Dominican Republic, afraid to go back to Haiti due to the violence and gangs. He’s still hopeful to start a new life with his family in the U.S., if he can find the right person to help. The incident serves as a warning to others to be cautious when seeking immigration services and to always verify the authenticity of the service provider.
FAQs
- Q: How many Haitians claim they were scammed by the South Florida woman?
A: More than a dozen Haitians claim they were scammed. - Q: What was the promise made by the South Florida woman?
A: The woman promised to help them immigrate to the U.S. - Q: How much money did Virgil Widmy pay to the agency?
A: Virgil paid the agency an $8,000 deposit and an additional $4,508 after arriving in the Dominican Republic. - Q: What is the advice given by immigration attorney Patricia Elizee?
A: Elizee advises people to hire a lawyer and not to take risks with their funds or immigration status. - Q: What is the current situation of Virgil Widmy?
A: Virgil is still stuck in the Dominican Republic, afraid to go back to Haiti due to the violence and gangs.
