Too good to be true? Maybe it was

CALIFORNIA, New York and Illinois authorities are investigating a travel agency that advertised low fares in several U.S. newspapers, promised to make bookings for its customers, then disappeared with more than $100,000 of their money.

The agency, New York-based Galaxy Tours & Travel, ran ads in the spring in newspapers including the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and Chicago Tribune, touting "unbelievable summer specials" on international flights from a "recognized name in the world of travel."

At least 100 travelers nationwide responded to the ad, plunking down an average of $900 to $1,000 for international tickets on reputable carriers. When customers checked their reservations, however, they discovered they had none. Some didn't find out until they arrived at the airport.

New York officials say Galaxy, whose name is nearly identical to a reputable New York travel agency called Galaxy Tours & Travels that is in no way related, was a front for operators who took travelers' money and ran.

"There's every indication that Galaxy was not legit," said Sgt. Michael Loughran of the New York Police Department, which has launched a fraud investigation.

Galaxy Tours & Travel could not be reached for comment.

Authorities expect consumers' losses to climb beyond $100,000 as travelers discover that their tickets are worthless.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg," Loughran said.

Leigh Podgorski of Van Nuys booked with Galaxy because it seemed legitimate, and its fares to Poland beat all others, she told authorities.

Although the Galaxy ad said "all major cards accepted," the agency honored only American Express, a card she didn't have. She paid for three seats on Lufthansa with a check for $2,995.

When her tickets didn't arrive, Podgorski said she contacted Galaxy but didn't get a clear answer from representatives there.

Upon calling Lufthansa, she discovered that the agency made reservations but never paid for them.

By that time, Galaxy had already cashed her check and stopped answering the phone, she said.

Although it's not clear who's liable for these losses, the alleged victims are blaming themselves for chasing "too-good-to-be-true" deals.

"I feel so stupid," Podgorski said. "I took my family's money and threw it down a black hole."

Ticket losses

EACH year, legions of travelers fall victim to dishonest operators, authorities say.