2nd arrest in Montgomery County travel scam case as prosecutors seek more victims | Troubleshooters
SOUDERTON, Pa. (WPVI) -- A second person has been arrested in connection with an alleged travel scam that authorities say targeted customers across the country, including many in the Vietnamese community.
Hien Thanh Nguyen, of Souderton, Montgomery County, is scheduled to appear in court next week after being charged in the case involving a travel agency she allegedly operated with her son, William Nguyen.
Hien Thanh Nguyen is charged with theft by deception, theft by failing to make required deposit of funds, and deceptive business practices. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.
The Action News Troubleshooters first reported on the allegations in December 2024. Consumers accused the agency of taking thousands of dollars for travel-related services that were never provided.
Chloe Tran traveled from Cincinnati, Ohio, to attend William Nguyen's preliminary hearing in May.
"For me it's around $3,000 that was lost and I couldn't care less about that money anymore. It's been so long ago. I think it's more about to really get the justice back," Tran said.
Tran and other customers allege that Hien Thanh Nguyen built trust with clients before taking money for airline tickets and travel documents that never materialized.
RELATED: Warning about travel scam allegedly targeting Asian community | Troubleshooters
Among those who attended William Nguyen's hearing were Royal Chatman and his wife, Ny Ha, who traveled from Mississippi to Philadelphia. Chatman said the couple paid the agency $17,600 for visas and round-trip flights to Vietnam, but the trip never occurred.
"What brought us all together in the courage and strength was is that we want to see justice, not only for the ones that's here. They're still unspoken ones," Chatman said.
He added, "It wasn't just money. They lost time. They lost family. They lost friends because of somebody that took advantage of making money."
The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office said it believes additional victims may exist and is encouraging them to come forward.
"At least we get to try and give them the chance to be heard in the court and to tell their side what happened to them," Assistant District Attorney Christian Taffe said.
People seeking more information or wishing to contact investigators can reach the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office through its website.
In response to questions from the Action News Troubleshooters in 2024, the travel agency stated, "We always put the benefit of our customers first. If there are any errors, we accept all legal responsibilities..."
