Maui - beauty and bust  − 12 March, 2007

HMC (March 12, 2007. 07:51pm)

OMG! Poor Buffy! Are you getting your money back?

edunn (March 14, 2007. 01:05am)

This story makes me crazy! Poor Buffy is right! Hi Heather!

amyd (March 14, 2007. 02:21am)

The exact same thing happened to us! What can we do to get our money back??

Deanne59 (March 14, 2007. 03:56am)

Same thing happened to me. I have the name of the investigator. Don't know if I will ever get my money back but I want to make sure she stays in jail,

zoulicat (March 14, 2007. 04:52pm)

Hello all. The same thing happened to me. Any news that anyone can share about getting money back or what we can do to help prosecute this would be great.

pepero (March 14, 2007. 05:04pm)

what a nightmare! i'm so glad that con-artist is in jail. the most expensive thing i've purchased on ebay was a laptop for almost $2k. i avoided all the peeps requesting money orders. is there any way you can get your monies back from ebay. isn't there some kind of insurance that will cover it?

Deanne59 (March 14, 2007. 05:15pm)

The investigator on this is Cameron Gary. His number is 619 531-3660. I haven't been able to talk to him yet as it was late in the day yesterday when I discovered all this. You can find Karyn Damian in jail at www.sdsheriff.net. Go to the jail link. She is spelling Karen rather than Karyn. Same person. If you google her by both spellings, you will find her on the web quite a bit. We lost $1,300 for the Westin plus the $920.00 we just had to pay to get a condo in Kihea. We are leaving Monday so we didn't have much of a choice. Feel free to contact me. I want to do everything possible to get our money back. I am frustrated as I have found others on ebay who bought from her but ebays policies do not allow me to contact them. Any suggestions?

Deanne59 (March 14, 2007. 05:48pm)

Just spoke with Cameron Gary's office. They took my info and then have asked me to file a complaint with the FBI. www.IC3.gov

kathleen (March 14, 2007. 11:44pm)

This happened to me as well!! We gave her $2,600 for two rooms at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai. My husband attemted to call to change the dates and was not able to get a hold of her for days. We called the hotel and the reservations had been cancelled for non-payment. I have contacted the Sherrif's Department and registered as a victim. Is there a way to get the word out so other victims will come forward? This woman needs to be punished for her crime.

reeldoc (March 15, 2007. 03:08am)

This happened to us also, now out $1695 for bogus reservation at the Kea Lani on Maui. I have left my info with the investigator above and filed complaint at the www.IC3.gov site and also filed complaint with the Washington State Attorney General (we are in Washington). Not to optimistic we will recoup but nice to see some info about it posted, thanks.

Deanne59 (March 15, 2007. 04:12am)

Found this on this website. Talk about irony.

http://www.misoapbox.com/2006/03/delta_delta_del.html

Companies have both a moral and a legal obligation to protect the pensions of employees who have paid into them. I agree with an earlier posting...if it is a choice between a company going out of business or paying employee pensions then the company should go out of business. These are people's lives we are talking about. Have'nt we learned anything from Enron?

Posted by: Karyn Damian | Mar 16, 2006 4:35:52 PM

edunn (March 15, 2007. 04:26pm)

Creepy! Maybe she has 2 spellings of her name because there are 2 personalities we are talking about :-) Sounds like you all have a heck of a case against her! Go get her!

mrrbn (March 15, 2007. 04:36pm)

The same thing happened to me for $1000. She was really good at making herself look like a upstanding member of society.....veteran, active in the veteran's day parade, and other non-profit events in the San Diego area. She scammed alot of people but I do believe she will get what is coming to her in the end.

jonish (March 18, 2007. 08:51pm)

It is amazing how nice she was over the phone, but it sppears that she was a complete fraud. back in July 2006, I paid just over $600 for 5 nights at the Sheraton Moana. We had reservations for March 2007. Three days before our trip, I had to cancel it because the room was not paid for. The Sheraton said that there was a credit card number holding the room (probably Karyn's), but that we would have to pay for the room. She never sent us the 'travel documents' as promised. She was always hard to get a hold of and was frequently out of town and away from the office. After many emails and phone calls, Karyn finally agree to refund our money, but then it looks like she was arrested on 3/1/07. My refund check never arrived. I'll be filing my case with the FBI and Sheriff's Department (Cameron Gary) tomorrow. Thanks for writing the "Maui - beauty or bust" story!

mckc (March 20, 2007. 03:37am)

I was just doing a little "cleanup" of paperwork before our impending trip to Maui on 4/13/07. I bought the trip on E-Bay from Bowheels2930 and was originally schedule to go in early Dec 06, however my husband broke his leg so we postponed. When I checked on my original reservations with the hotel,they had no record of me. I called Karyn. The next call to Maui, everything was A-OK, however I never questioned whether or not the room had been paid for. (I too wrote a check to Karyn) Now, here I am, 3 weeks away from my trip - Karyn's e-mails come back and her phone mailbox is full. I have no paperwork! I am going to check with the hotel tomorrow in the hopes that maybe (yeh, right!) it's all A-OK. Then, I'm calling the investigator and the FBI. Did you know that Hospitality Consulting Group is a national corp? Look them up! Also, I see on the Sheriff website that she has a court appearance scheduled for 3/28. I'm thinking about going - anyone else?

phy2c (March 20, 2007. 05:33am)

I too was scammed by the infamous Karyn. I lost $2125 for a week long trip at the Grand Wailea. What can we expect if we watch her arraignment on 3/28? Wonder were she funneled all our hard earned dollars. That was my honeymoon.....so sad...

reeldoc (March 20, 2007. 04:45pm)

RE: Hospitality Consulting Group being a national corp - I don't think so, I think it's all part of Karyn's scam, all of the phone numbers are the same on the website, I think it's all a front, the fax numbers are not the right area codes for the regions (at least the Seattle one isn't).

kathleen (March 20, 2007. 05:10pm)

Has everyone called the number given above for the San Diego County Sherriff Department (Cameron Gary 619 531-3660) ? In addition everyone needs to register their compaint with the FBI
( www.IC3.gov ). Karen needs to be held accountable for all of the people she has victimized.

mglasser_kfmb.com (March 20, 2007. 05:29pm)

I am a producer for KFMB-TV in San Diego (CBS). I am working on a story about Karen/Karyn Damian and would be interested in speaking with any local victims of her fraud. Please feel free to email me if you would be interested in sharing your story. Any background information would also be helpful. My email is mglasser@kfmb.com Thanks.

mckc (March 20, 2007. 06:20pm)

You're right about the Hospitality Consulting Group - I called the Pennsylvania "office" and it was her voice on the phone. Mailbox was full, of course. How many of us are in the San Diego area? I do plan to attend the trial - not sure its an arraignment tho, because bail has already been set. I just got back from her "office" in San Diego. Its a UPS store and "suite 176" is in the lower half of the mailboxes. I could just kick myself that I didn't follow through with my request to bring her the money in person. She wasn't against it, but probably breathed a sigh of relief when I just mailed the money! Today is my day for calling the Sheriff and the FBI...UGH

golfwallys (March 21, 2007. 07:32pm)

I also just got back from the Big Isalnd in Hawaii. I paid the #####$1800.00 by Money order from Canada.I found her selling on Ebay.Didn't win 1 item but called her to see if she would get me another deal at the Fairmont.I arrived then 3 days later they said your credit card is invalid.Well this was just Sunday morning March 18th 2007 .I get a bill for $4,4437.00 for a 6 night stay.You can say i was scammed.i will fly from Toronto to see this !!!!! hang!!!!!!!!

mckc (March 21, 2007. 07:52pm)

Now I am obssessed with this - I feel like I have a big '"STUPID" written across my forehead. How many of us are in the San Diego area? Canada is quite far.... FYI, Karyn Damian is currently the 1st Chairperson of the San Diego United Veterans, (I sent them an e-mail saying she might not make this Saturday's meeting) and her company is a "member" of the association. But its another name - and it will make many of us angry.... it is Landlocked Pirate Enterprises. (how appropriate!) Don't hurry to look it all up - website is non-existent now, and phone is disconnected. She was also previously involved in Biketober West (website www.bikertoberwest.com no-existent too) with a PO box I'm sure has been closed. What I'm trying to say is that she's been doing this along time! With at least 10 "offices" around the country - we NEED TO GET THE WORD OUT!!! By the way, "Golfwallys" - have you contacted the San Diego County Sheriff CATCH unit 619-531-3660 and also the FBI www.ic3.gov? Yours is a BIG LOSS! Also keep tabs on her @ www.sdsheriff.net. I plan to go to court on 3/28 - hopefully it won't get postponed and I'll have something to report. Anyone else going?

golfwallys (March 22, 2007. 01:39am)

Thanks for keeping me updated,yes I have filled out the appropriate paperwork with both contacts.Actualy when i spoke with the manager at the fairmont,he knew all about this scam.He had a few other couples arrive, apprx 4,they where advised up front if the Fedex doesn,t arrive with there cheque then they are responsible for the bill.OF COURSE NO CHEQUE ARRIVED.I was different because she put the reservation under my name .I was a little fortunate that the manager was from Toronto as well and took $1800.00 off my bill.It took a bit of convincing.I also feel like an idiot .I would like to know what the maxium penalty is?Also how can she be a Veteran at the age of 49 . Will she also be able to use our money for the bail? Not sure of the American way.thanks for listening

reeldoc (March 22, 2007. 06:00pm)

Found a couple more links of interest:
http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0198-313043/David-Green-caught-in-crossfire.html<p>
http://www.sandiegometro.com/2004/jun/metro.php
<p>
I wonder if this David Green has any useful info on her, contact numbers for the David Green Organization are: <p>1-800-941-4934, <p>info@dgoinc.com, <p>http://www.dgoinc.com/index.html

honeymoon89 (March 23, 2007. 01:32am)

All this sounds way too familiar. I just found out today that by booking was a scam. Had my honeymoon booked for this September 10th. Booked 11 nights for $2800! Luckily I have a while to re-book my honeymoon. I found all this out today on lunch, I had to take the rest of the day off I was so disgusted. After calling the 3rd party Whole Seller Karyn was booking through (Pleasant Hawaiian), I was referred to Cameron Gary. I registered as a victim and also at ic3.gov. I felt completely hopeless until I googled "hospitality consulting group scam" and found this website. Thanks to all of you for this website and comments - you made this day bearable.

Does anyone know how Karyn had such a good rating on ebay with eighty something previous positive feedback results?



Chris

Smokeyjoe (March 23, 2007. 07:06am)

Hi to all. And so sorry for all your problems.

I was associated with HER for almost a year. I instantly liked HER. She was nice, concerned and an all around sweetie. I am a Christian woman, and I was shocked and stunned that this happened. I was scammed by her sweet personality.

LITTLE DID I KNOW! I met HER when I bought a Maui vacation. My vacation went off without a hitch. They did change my hotel, but no biggie. I got a 6 night with air to Maui for $900. A buy indeed.

As I read these blogs, I want to comment on some of them.

"all of the phone numbers are the same on the website, I think it's all a front, the fax numbers are not the right area codes for the regions" - these numbers are from eFax. A free service to receive faxes. They can not guarantee you the same area code as the one where you live. www.efax.com

"I have a big '"STUPID" written across my forehead" - we all feel that way. You're not stupid - you were scammed. As you can see you are not alone.

"She is spelling Karen rather than Karyn. Same person." - she has quite a few aliases.

"there was a credit card number holding the room" - yes it was. However she just put down the minimum so she could get you a confirmation number. That way you knew you had a room. Then when hotel canceled the room - the deposit, via the vendor, was refunded back to HER.

"how can she be a Veteran at the age of 49" - as she told me was was in the service for 3 years. She was based somewhere in the US.

"The seller, bowheels2930, had a 100% approval rating, member since 12/05 and all around seemed like a great choice." - I figure she had to get as many positive feedbacks as possible, so she could get more business. Then when she thought it was safe, she started the scam! She did tell me once that she wanted to get at least 50 positive feedbacks.

"She scammed alot of people but I do believe she will get what is coming to her in the end." - if she don't get it in this life, the Lord will take care of her! Is it getting hot in here?

"just got back from her "office" in San Diego. Its a UPS store and "suite 176" is in the lower half of the mailboxes." - she said she did this for her own safety. She, apparently, knew one day, she wouldn't be safe. I also have a box at a neighbor mail service, however, I don't hide the fact, and I don't use "Suite #". She, as I, worked out of her home. Also, I did find out that quite a few businesses had her same box #! hmmmmm!

" Karyn Damian is currently the 1st Chairperson of the San Diego United Veterans" - she told me how hard she worked on the annual Veteran's Day Parade. Apparently, she worked harder on scamming.

"Wonder were she funneled all our hard earned dollars" - probably off-shore somewhere!

She had businesses under "The Travel Shoppe" and "Travel Escapes". She told me she was going to start putting the travel packages on Yahoo auction. Thank goodness she got caught before that happened.

I started catching her in lies around this January. Like "I book the rooms directly with the hotel" - ha - that was her tale, I sit on mine! She booked them with Pleasant Holidays - put $150 down - that was it - even if she had all the money! By the way Pleasant Holidays has taken her off their client list. They are totally legit. I talked to the owner and he has taken all the necessary precautions.

At first I called the Veteran's Hospital - she was no patient. I checked the obits - she wasn't dead. I figured she was on some tropical island drinking a pina coloda - totally shocked when I found out she was arrested. I learned this from a "scammed" client of hers.

She didn't get me for any money, except for a possible $200 commission. She screwed my client out of $2,331.00 - a honeymoon in paradise. Yea right!

She was an a intelligent woman - not very smart however. She knew corporate law - she knew travel (told me she was in the business for 20 years). But she didn't know when to stop!

For sure, go to www.IC3.gov They want as many complaints as possible. Call 619 531-3660 or any other number you find and get your complaint filed.

I wish I could be there on the 28th. She is a flight risk. She probably has money "stuck back" somewhere and she could fly the coop. $200,000 bail is a heck of a lot.

I also wonder if anyone else was working with her on the scams. A boy/girl friend perhaps?!?!?

If I find out anything else, I will certainly post.

reeldoc (March 23, 2007. 02:53pm)

ouch - painful, but informative

honeymoon89 (March 23, 2007. 05:40pm)

So I found out some info today... My initial contact with the San Diego DA was a gentleman named Doug Mooney. He is on a different case that has been going on with Karyn for the past 2 years...he referred me to Cameron Gary, who is dealing with our case. Anyway, I emailed Doug to find out what was going on with Karyn being in jail, her trial, and if what steps we need to take to get our money back. This is what he emailed me: Mr.. Schultz,
Defendant Damian is scheduled for trial next month, but in regards to a different case with hotel victims. That case would not address compensating you, or any other similar victims. Rather, the investigation that Investigator Cameron Gary is conducting will. I suggest that you stay in touch with him. Your commitment is important to his investigation.
Sincerely,
Doug Mooney
Deputy District Attorney

So according to Doug: 1) Karyn's trial is not until next month. 2) Her trial has nothing to do with the Hotel scam, it is a different case. 3) It may be a while until we get our case going.

Has anybody else heard anything about this??

mckc (March 23, 2007. 07:18pm)

Yes, Honeymoon... In fact, my husband and I just got back from the San Diego Courthouse/ Court records/DA's office. And indeed the plot thickens! We met Doug Mooney as Cameron Gary is not in that office, and Doug is the DA prosecuting the existing case against Karen. Next Weds, 3/28th is the date for a "readiness" hearing, at which he doubts there will be very much "action", but we are going nonetheless - just to see her face! It is DEFINITELY of the UTMOST importance that we all stay in touch with Cameron Gary the investigator regarding our evergrowing case. Also, the Dep.District Attorney assigned to "our" case is one Fiona Khalil. Doug Mooney said we can call 619-531-4070 and ask for her if we need to discuss it. We got a copy of the Felony complaint currently lodged against her today.It involves the David Green Organization (a name one of our group mentioned in an earlier posting) and also Conferon Global Services,(CGS, now called Experient) and several hotels dating back to 2003/2004. The Grand Theft charge - 487(a) of which she is accused normally carries a $5,000 bail amount (according to the Penal Code I found online), however her bail has been set at $200,000.00! And there is a stipulation that IF she should post bail, she will have to prove where the $$ came from. NOW THE "KICKER".... Karen Damian was convicted of the exact same crime in June 1999, and was sentenced in Aug 1999 to 3 years in jail. I think she served 1/2 that and went right back to doing what she apparently does best. In the current Arrest Warrant Scott Melligan is shown to be her "boyfriend" and apparently served as a phanton "client" for her -maybe even outbidding some of us on E-Bay!! I think Doug Mooney may have spoken with many people who have called the DA's office without seeing all our postings........ so the number of vitcims is more than we know. Its important to get the word out - stay on the Investigator and DDA and provide all we can! I doubt we'll recoup our financial losses, but this is at least her 2nd strike!

Smokeyjoe (March 23, 2007. 08:03pm)

"nobody becomes a victim until they take the vacation and see that it was not paid for by Karyn Damian - but once they check out and have to pay out-of-pocket - then they are a victim" this was told to me from someone in the DA's office. Then you contact cgary@catchteam.org and file a claim. They hearing for the 28th is not on internet fraud, but on a local grand theft charge. Apparently once in jail "her house of cards starting falling" literally. Victims can apply for "victims assistance" at www.sdcda.org - go to help victims tab. The investigation of the scamming on ebay is just in the early stages. This ebay fraud is a State, Local and Federal offense. BE SURE TO FILE A COMPLAINT IF YOU ARE A VICTIM. The more the better. If I was rich, I would be there on the 28th with mckc. It's a long trip. MCKC, thanks for sharing what you learned. We are all learning so much from each other. Maybe she will get more than 3 years this time. Actually, I'm counting 3 strikes including the internet fraud that is just now in early stages of investigation. I'm so thankful to Mizz Abbott for starting this blog.

mckc (March 23, 2007. 08:41pm)

Hey Smokey.... I'm not sure your "victim" statement is 100% correct, because I'm a victim as are a few others here who haven't taken their trips. My trip wasn't scheduled until 4/13/07! I paid karen 4/06 and don't have a reservation.....I have no reservations as they were cancelled for non-payment (by her!) but luckily for me I won't have to pay again. Unfortunately according to the Felony complaint I copied this morning, the current charges against her only call for a sentance range anywhere from 16 months, to 2 years to 3 years. Hopefully, our case will occur simultaneously toward the end of this one, and there will be more time added. The District Attorney's office apparently has her computer, so I'm sure they know MUCH more than they're sharing !! I do feel like we're on the right path now, FINALLY - and I don't feel quite so stupid - she was a pro!

Honeymoom - We used Pleasant Hawaiian for our 1st trip to Maui. Since then, I've made my own accomodations - until Karyn Damian! We were happy with P.Hawaiian since we didn't know much about the island. And they might be more helpful in light of your (our) situation. If you're going to Maui, I can help you with a few areas if you'd like...

mckc (March 23, 2007. 10:01pm)

JPPW - yes, if you read my posting from today, I think you'll get a picture of whats happening. We made copies of the felony warrant, got sentencing info from her prior and spoke with the DDA who will be prosecuting her current case.... As for getting a picture of her....I'm not sure I want to end up as her "neighbor"!!! HA! But I'll do my best next Wednesday. Doug Mooney knows we are coming to get a glimpse of her.

Smokeyjoe (March 23, 2007. 10:08pm)

mckc - is there anyway you can email me a copy of all that information?
As far as the statement I made - it was from th DA's office. So I was just quoting. I know what she looks like - so it's not worth the risk!!!!!!!!!! I have a pic of her somewhere. I'll see if I can find it. Pleasant Hawaiian is the same as Pleasant Holidays and they are great. Good prices, honest and trustworthy. They know of the scam and have taken HER and HCG off everything they have. Would love to see the report. Thanks

caraboom (March 23, 2007. 10:28pm)

I too was duped by Karen Damian for a Hyatt Kauai package for $1,046.00. I would like to know where Pleasant fits into the picture here. Clearly they've allowed this scam to go on for several months and did absolutely nothing about it. They didn't even bother to inform me that they had canceled the booking. Grounds for a lawsuit?

Smokeyjoe (March 23, 2007. 10:53pm)

Pleasant is totally legit. They were the vendor for the vacation. They were unaware of what was going on. They only accepted deposits - then if they didn't receive anymore monies after a certain amount of time, then they canceled the reservation and refunded the deposit back to Karyn. The responsibility to inform you was solely on Karyn Damian. There isn't really a lawsuit against Pleasant - only Karyn. Also, I couldn't find the picture I have of her.

caraboom (March 23, 2007. 11:13pm)

Smokey;

Pleasant may be legitimate, but as a company they have the responsibility to check the travel agencies they deal with (basic credit, criminal history). Wouldn't you be alarmed if a all the bookings by an agent are partially paid and then canceled? Especially as this went on for months and may have affected many people, I cannot absolve them from their responsibility.

Smokeyjoe (March 23, 2007. 11:20pm)

When I bought my package, she was doing everything above board. I think this started a few months ago with eBay. Also, when talking to Pleasant, she never gave the customers name and contact info to them. Told them to contact her. I don't believe they had been dealing with her for very long. Remember, she had to get quite a few positive feedbacks to lure the customers in. So, basically, Pleasant never knew how to contact anyone except her. She is totally a first-class low-life con artist.

mrrbn (March 23, 2007. 11:51pm)

My trip was also booked through pleasant. They told me that if she canceled the reservations there was a cancellation fine and the deposit would not be refunded. I do believe they are a reputable company, but it is possible not all of their employees are. Possibly someone suspected something, but may have closed their eyes enjoying the benefits of keeping the deposit. Pleasant has my deposit and although I have contacted them trying to get it refunded to me, they have not replied back to me.

Smokeyjoe (March 23, 2007. 11:54pm)

Hmmmmm - two different stories! A good case of the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. I was told she got the refund back. Not sure about a cancellation fine. I'll have to check that out Monday. We have learned that we never know what's going on with anyone!

Deanne59 (March 24, 2007. 01:15am)

Thank you so much for all your hard work MCKC! I would be right there with you if we lived in CA. If anyone needs a place to stay check this out www.mauiandmolokai.com . We are staying here rather than the Westin as we found out before we left that it was a scam and had time to find another place. I feel so sorry for those of you who arrived bags in hand. Anyway, this unit is lovely and is ocean front (we are here now). Great view. Owner is very helpful, We got it for $149.00 a night because it was last minute. Thanks for all your posts!

phy2c (March 26, 2007. 10:49pm)

MCKC, I will be driving down from Orange county to visit Karen on wed morning.

Smokeyjoe (March 27, 2007. 05:59pm)

Check out this newspaper article about a couple that got scammed and didn't know it until they got there. What a great hotel!
http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=17606299

mckc (March 28, 2007. 05:44pm)

Well folks - we just got back from court....I think they have scheduled another "readiness" hearing for April 19, with a court date around May 7. So stay tuned..... phy2c, it was nice to meet you this morning.

refunded (March 29, 2007. 11:19pm)

First off I am one of the lucky ones that actually got his money back. I threatened to sue in Feb. when it looked like things were not going the right direction. She sent me my money back the day before I was to leave. At the time I was about as pissed as I thought possible. I now see that I was very fortunate. I hope everyone sticks to this and is able to get her for everthing possible. I attempted to sue but found out she is very slick and everything she did was legal. I would like to know if there is anyone that acutally got a vacation or their money back as well. Again I would be very careful with the case against her. She somehow has got alot of the angles covered legally. If the evil one is reading this she should know that our vacation was incredible despite her. Lets all hope her all expense vacation is long and less than enjoyable.

mckc (March 30, 2007. 05:43pm)

San Diego local channel 8 did a spot on Karyn yesterday. Here's the website:
www.cbs8.com/features/consumer_alert/story.php?id=85387# to view it!!

Smokeyjoe (March 30, 2007. 06:04pm)

I did get a vacation. I think this was the time frame that she needed positive feedbacks. I'm so sorry that this has happened to you all. My mom always said that "a leopard don't change it's spots" and "once a crook always a crook."

Smokeyjoe (March 30, 2007. 09:22pm)

mrrbn: if you can email me with info, I'll be glad to talk to the man I know there about your deposit. njwill37167@comcast.net

reelchaser (March 31, 2007. 02:59pm)

I sent the writer who wrote the article on Ruined Wedding Saved , an e-mail to see if she could tell me if it was Karyn who dubbed them. I also contacted her attorney via e-mail asking for my money back when she gets out of Jail. I hope he gets a ton of e-mail from all of us.

refunded (March 31, 2007. 03:22pm)

It seems amazing that she says that she is just a bad business person. A bad business person does not string clients along with no care how the end result comes about. She knew what she could get away with and tried to go as far as possible. I think we need to learn from this and make sure the evil one pays the largest price possible.

As far as feedback that was a joke. The only feedback she got was from those before their vacation. Once the vacation happened or did not the feedback option was not available. People were only responding to what a great deal they thought they got. This was a very slick fraud.

I would hope all the victims email the prosecutor with the demands for refunds. I doubt anyone will ever get money from her but the total may help the prosecution. My main problem with this is the total break in trust for individuals that this has brought about. I go by the word people give me. This has put a dent in my trust for my fellow man. I still like to trust what someone says. I guess I just need to be able to look the person in the eyes before giving them that trust.

Is there a three strikes and your out law in california? It would seem that she is getting to be a habitual offender and an extended stay is deserved.

reelchaser (March 31, 2007. 03:41pm)

I agree.... You know, if EBAY was smart they would have a system that would allow you to post feedback on vacations after you have taken them. I inquired with others who left feedback and found out that they sent feedback prior to going on the trip. This was bad. We rely on those feedbacks to tell us about the person whom we are buying from. Why would you post a feedback if you haven't received your package or gone on the vacation. I really blame EBAY for part of this. They should have stopped her along time ago.

caraboom (March 31, 2007. 03:56pm)

You bring up an interesting party in this whole mess... eBay. This was clearly a pattern of bad transactions going back all the way to early 2006. At least two IDs, delistings,... looks like a cover-up to me. eBay too should be held accountable for allowing this happen to all of us.

refunded (March 31, 2007. 06:05pm)

What about the squaretrade travel verified that she had on her ebay site? It seemed at the time that I checked it out and it was legit. Now squaretrade is saying that she never was part of their program. Anyone else have a recolection of this?

caraboom (March 31, 2007. 06:20pm)

Nice try... I created PDF files of most her listings, all of which has the squaretrade ID. If you read the fine print on the squaretrade website, it's all a load of marketing broehaha. If you're not a member on the buying side as well, you have no recourse whatsoever.

refunded (March 31, 2007. 08:48pm)

Agree but what I am getting at is the fraud that she set up. Did anyone else question the validity of the squaretrade number at the time? She is saying that she is just a bad business person. It would look to me if the number was a fraud then it furthers the case that she was just trying to steal the whole time. Again it would seem that she would have a legit number as it is just another part of ebay that is a complete joke as far as security.

slingomb (April 3, 2007. 03:04pm)

We are the couple from this article:
http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=17606299
We were so upset when we got to our hotel and found out how Karen scammed us. She KNEW this was to be our Wedding and how she has the heart to do that to someone just disgust me. We Thank God that the Marriott is such a Wonderful hotel and really took the time to turn this around for us and make our Wedding a Dream Wedding that we will never forget. We were happy to hear that she had been arrested and that she will get what she deserves. I am so sorry to the rest of you that your trips did not work out. I can not imagine what our trip would have been like, had things not turned out so great.
Sincerely,
Mary and Josh Dugan

mrrbn (April 4, 2007. 04:57pm)

Smokey Joe - I emailed you today with my deposit info.
Refunded - I totally agree with you about the trust issue now. I wanted to book a condo for my trip to hawaii but was too scared to take the chance. How easy would it be for someone to post a fake condo, or house for rent, and collect the money.
Mary and Josh- I am very happy that your wedding worked out. I can't believe how mean Karyn is. She has no heart at all.
If any one is interested......I just purchased a couple of Hyatt gift certificates. They are valid at many locations, but of interests to many of you is the Kauai and Maui location. They cost $249 per night plus tax and resort fees. This is still alot but much better than the hyatt would give me. The best rate they could offer me due to this scam was $387. $387 is the rate I could get at expedia, or priceline. It burns me that they did not even mention the certificate option. I had to find it out on my own. The information is on the hyatt website. I will attach the link. Here are the details.
1) You can purchase as many certificates for as many nights as you want (i.e. purchase 1 certificate per night 2) Some hotels will charge you taxes and of course the resort fee when you depart. 3) technically your supposed to have the certificates in hand before reserving your room, but the person I spoke to said she would make the reservation and as long as I purchase the certificates at the same time. It seemed to be a common practice 4) You pay for all the certificates upfront 5) the reservation is held with a credit card and when you check in you present the certificates 6) the rooms are terrace level, bed type is by request only.

Basically, you are pre-purchasing a stay for $249/night (vs a refundable $400night) - you can cancel your reservation up to 3 days prior but the certificates are non-refundable.They have to be used in a year. I ordered mine, and paid the $6 required to federal express them. They came in a day!
the number is 1-800-555-9655
The $249 certificate is the elite level
https://www.certificates.hyatt.com/products/CertsStay.aspxs

honeymoon89 (April 4, 2007. 08:01pm)

Thanks mrrbn, I'm definitely purchasing the certificates. Going back to the Karyn topic - is anyone getting a lawyer? Can we all go in on a lawyer in some class action suit?? I don't know much about lawyer fees and class action suits, but it seems like we should do something like that.

richard rainbow (April 5, 2007. 02:47am)

I MET KAREN IN HAWAII LAST MAY ON A FAM TRIP . WHICH IS A FREE ALL EXPENSES PAID FAMILIARITY TRIP PRODUCED BY A CORPORATE MEETING INDUSTRY TRADE PUBLICATION WHO ARRANGES FOR LOCAL HOTELS AND SUPPLIERS TO WINE AND DINE YOU AT HOTEL PROPERTIES AND SUPPLIERS TO GET YOUR MEETING BUSINESS TO USE THEIR PROPERTIES. WE HAD A LITTLE GROUP OF 6 WHO HUNG TOGETHER, THE OTHER 4 KNEW KAREN FROM PREVIOUS FAM TRIPS, I WAS NEW TO OUR LITTLE GROUP AND ALWAYS FELT THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING STRANGE ABOUT KAREN, SHE SEEMED TO ALWAYS STAY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GROUP, OTHER SIDE OF OUR TABLE AND ON A DIFFERENT ROW ON THE BUS TRIPS FROM ME. BEING THE MOST BUSINESS SAVOY OF THE GROUP AND OWNING MY OWN BUSINESS FOR YEARS I THNK SHE REALIZED THAT SHE KNEW SHE COULDN'T SCAM ME
TWO OF MY FRIENDS FROM OUR GROUP HAVE BEEN SCAMMED BY KAREN. KAREN TRIED USING THEM TO SELL HER FAKE TRIPS. I HAVE PHOTOS OF KAREN AND WOULD LOVE TO SHARE THEM WITH EVERYONE. TO REST THEIR CURIOUSITY I CAN UNDERSTAND YOUR CURIOUSITY YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT RICHARD@RAINBOWENTERTAINMENT.COM AND I WOULD BE GLAD TO SHOW YOU!
MY PERSONAL OPINION IS THAT THERE IS SOMEONE MENTORING HER SCAMMING. SHE JUST NEVER CAME ACCROSS TO ME AS BRIGHT ENOUGH TO DO THIS ON HER OWN!

richard rainbow (April 5, 2007. 02:55am)

KAREN IS THE BLONDE ON THE FAR RIGHT AND I'M THE GOOD LOOKING GUY IN THE MIDDLE
I DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO ADD PHOTOS BUT I HAVE MORE CLOSE UP PHOTOS FOR YOU WITH BETTER PHOTOS OF EVIL KAREN.

Jslas (April 6, 2007. 03:06am)

Well, I consider myself the lucky one. I won a trip from Karen In Oct 06 to Tortola,BVI. Karen had only given me a verbal confirmation number which I immediatly checked. All was well. Jan 30th one day before my trip I checked with hotel again only to find my reservation had been cancelled. When I called Karen she was as confused as I was and called me back with a new confirmation. My wife and I went on the trip and only paid the hotel for what we spent there. I now have to wonder if the hotel got scammed somehow. I am still a little nervous that I could still be billed.

Joe

Smokeyjoe (April 6, 2007. 03:11am)

richard, thanks for sharing the pics

caraboom (April 7, 2007. 05:47pm)

I talked to Cameron Gary this week and asked him where we go from here, and what those of us that are affected should do to get our money back. He stated that the judge may demand restitution forcing KD to pay all all claims, without us having to take legal action individually (e.g. through small claims). Whether it is realistic that we'll ever see our money back through this remains to be seen... Make sure you recorded your claim on www.IC3.gov.

I am going to explore the Pleasant Holidays and eBay alleys... I feel strongly that both were negligent in assuring that KD was a bonafide travel agent and allowed many transactions to go through over the course of several months. This is just exploratory at this time, but anybody that wants to join in or wants to be kept informed please send an email to takenbykaryn@sbcglobal.net. I will probably talk to counsel over the next two weeks and let you know. Also send me details on what you booked, when, etc...

Cameron also said that our chatter here may undermine his case, so I'm off from hereon.

mrrbn thanks for the tip! I was able to rebook my trip and reduce the $$$ a little. Very much appreciated.

Smokeyjoe (April 7, 2007. 06:01pm)

mrrbn - please send me your email again. the guy wasn't in this week. hopefully, Monday. will keep trying. thanks

Smokeyjoe (April 13, 2007. 03:04am)

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070405/news_7m5scam.html

Pappadoc33 (April 26, 2007. 08:57pm)

I too was scammed. This marked the FIRST time in my life I have been scammed on Ebay. I used to run a business on Ebay and also helped startup a Ebay drop off store. I did as much due diligence as I could. Checked ebay ratings, google'd her company, I even called the Better Business Bureau and everything checked out fine. The Hyatt in Maui confirmed that they have done a lot of business with her and she is a great client of theirs. I saw her feedback like you all did and trusted her. I even called my credit card company (I used a check from my line of credit) and they told me I would be covered against fraud. They were wrong and refuse to do anything for me. This sick woman even lied to me and told me she was late getting my reservation to me b/c her daughter was in a very serious car accident! How sick is this person! I even had Kayrn on a conference call with the Hyatt in Maui confirming my reservation b/c I didn't believe her. Then when I got my confirm and the Hyatt told me everything was paid for I thought I was ok. But I really never believed her and my gut told me from the begining that something wasn't right. I thought I was covered by credit card company and that is the reason I went through with it. Was I wrong! Then when her feedback suddenly went private, then dropped off the face of the earth, I knew something was wrong!

We are going on our honeymoon to Maui in two weeks and I called two days ago to confirm everything and sure enough the reservation was cancelled. I wasn't surprised. We lost $1100. My fiance who is an attorney was about ready to kill me! She is investigating Pleasant Hawaii's role in this whole thing. This woman is sick and I hope she spends the rest of her life in jail!!! I am embarassed and feel violated. I still can't believe I fell for it.

cpwready2go (April 27, 2007. 03:58am)

Add my name to the ever growing list as well. I too was scammed. I purchased my first trip from Karyn on Ebay last summer for travel in December 2006. When the auction ended I paid with PAYPAL as requested. A day or two later, I got a call from Karyn telling me that her account had been hacked. She promptly reversed the PAYPAL transaction and I sent a personal check per her request. Throughout the balance of the summer and fall it was like pulling teeth trying to get a confirmation number from her. She eventually sent one just before our departure.

My wife and I went to the new Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman. The trip was great! We celebrated out 10 year wedding anniversary (without the kids in tow). At the end there were NO surprises. Karyn actually came thru on the promise just as I expected.

Just a few weeks before the Grand Cayman trip I contacted Karyn about purchasing a ski trip to Colorado for me and a buddy. This is where I made my BIG mistake. I sent her a check for $1000 made out to Hospitality Consulting Group. At the end of this second trip in January I was horrified to find out that I was responsible for the full bill. I immediately called Karyn from the front desk. She stated that she had sent all of the direct billing information to the hotel weeks before our arrival. The hotel on the other hand had a different story. She agreed to speak with the Director of Finance at the hotel and resolve the issue as I had to catch the shuttle to the airport. When I arrived back to Georgia, I called the hotel to make sure everything had been resolved. The Director of Finance stated that Karyn never called.

The next day I phoned Karyn to find out what happened. This is where my story begins to parallel that of Pappadoc33. She said that everything was faxed to the hotel and couldn't understand where the glitch was occurring. After going back and forth between the hotel and Karyn with no progress I then came up with the idea to facilitate a conference call between the three of us. Of course the Director of Finance for the hotel agreed as well as Karyn. However, this never came to fruition. When I finally got in touch with Karyn, she told an elaborate story of how her daughter had been in a car accident which made her inaccessible for the balance of the week. . After about a month, the hotel finally told me that the credit card they were to post the charges to was declined. Karyn confirmed this and stated that she had sent clients on a similar trip to Hawaii and that their incidentals had inadvertently been posted to her account. This in turn maxed out her credit limit. She promised that everything would be corrected in a day or two.

My AMEX now carries a balance of $1280 because of Karyn. I have requested a charge back from AMEX stating that I had prepaid the amount to “my travel agent” and that I presented my card at check-in for incidentals only as requested by the desk clerk.

On Monday April 23, 2007 I was sitting at my desk working. For some reason the thought crossed my mind to Google search “Hospitality Consulting Group” in the news section. I don’t know what provoked me at the moment. However, the article that popped up read “would be vacationers claim travel scam”. I immediately e-mailed Debbi Baker who wrote the article to find out more. This BLOG has been most helpful confirming that I’m not the only one Karyn Damian took advantage of.

The common thread to all of our postings is that we ALL trusted this person with our hard earned money. We ALL did our due diligence and researched the person we were sending our dollars to. There were no indications that a scam was in progress. I pray for Karyn as I know she will one day have to answer for her actions.

Smokeyjoe (May 8, 2007. 03:34am)

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070410/news_1m10bell.html

Thesolidman (May 27, 2007. 01:46am)

Hi, add me to the list. Karyn ripped me off. I just learned of it as I attempted to confirm our reservations at the Grand Hyatt Kaua on June 1, 2007. I am thankful for this site, it has helped me to learn about the situation. I only came upon by Googling Karyn's name. $1120 gone.

mckc (May 27, 2007. 03:28am)

Hey there solidman....sorry to hear, but welcome to the club! Please be sure to contact Cameron Gary's office and also the San Diego District Attorney's office in addition to filing the Internet Fraud report. (C.Gary: 858-565-5815, Dist.Atty, Fiona Khalil: 619-531-4070, FBI Internet Fraud complaint: www.IC3.gov ) The DA's office has begun to contact Karyn's victims and hopefully there will be another complaint filed against her in addition to that which goes to trial on June 12.

Smokeyjoe (May 27, 2007. 03:45am)

Hello again. I so-called "worked with/for" Karyn or Karen or whatever the hell her name is. I have a bit of good news for some of you. I know that that some deposits are still with the vendor (Pleasant), however, they are frozen at this time from instructions from the DA. When unfrozen they will be returned to the buyer - if I can get them your name, destination of travel and dates I will check with the vendor and give him your information. (I have no idea how long they will be frozen). Most of these deposits were trips to Hawaii. Email me at njwill37167@comcast.net. I hope to have this list compiled and faxed to him so he will have it first thing Tuesday morning. I already have several names. Most of the deposits were only $150.00 but that's better than nothing. I am trying my best to help in whatever way I can. Norma

rainbowentertainment (June 15, 2007. 07:15pm)

WHAT IS THE LASTEST NEWS ABOUT KAREN? WASN'T SHE GOING TO COURT IN EARLY JUNE?

Smokeyjoe (June 15, 2007. 07:48pm)

Her court appearance was on the 12th. She still in jail. When I find out more, I'll post.

deutch17 (July 20, 2007. 02:26pm)

Hi, add us to the list as well. Karyn ripped us off for $3700. My wife and I just found out last night when we called to confirm our reservations at the Grand Hyatt Kauai for August 7, 2007. We had booked with her last December after winning an Ebay auction. Karyn also made us reservations at the Hyatt Maui, and the Marriot Marina in San Diego, as this was all part of our honeymoon. Has there been anymore talk of filing a class action lawsuit as mentioned earlier in the blog?

cpwready2go (July 20, 2007. 02:57pm)

There has been complete silence from our group. Does anyone know what is going on with the case? Anyone been contacted from the D.A. with an update lately? "Deutch17": Sorry that you've been added to the list. Especially since this was to have been your honeymoon. Trust me, once the initial shock wears off, it gets better. It seems that Karyn had a select few hotels in Hawaii that she used. I wonder if anyone has contacted those properties to let them know about our group?

deutch17 (July 20, 2007. 03:44pm)

When we called the Hyatt Kauai last night, they referred me to a woman by the name of Annette who was aware of Karyn and her victims. While she was sympathetic to our situation, she said there was not much she could do for us, as the hotel is now booked for the week we were going to be there. Has anyone had any luck following up with Ebay or Pleasant?

Smokeyjoe (July 20, 2007. 08:22pm)

Hi all. All the hotels and administration that she dealth with are aware of all this. They will not accept anything under her name or Hospitality Consulting Group. Pleasant has been very cooperative with me in helping to add names to their list for refunds if you have a deposit with them. Again, she only dealth with them on Hawaiian hotels. I guess she is still sitting in jail - hopefully wearing a vertical stripe jumpsuit!!! Take care and I as I find out anything, I'll post.

honeymoon89 (July 20, 2007. 08:25pm)

I haven't heard anything ... I was going to wait it out until someone contacted me, but maybe we need to start pressing this a bit more. I'm calling Cameron Gary's office right now to get an update.

honeymoon89 (July 20, 2007. 08:32pm)

Just got off the phone with the DA's office. Looks like they are at a standstill right now and have to wait until the other case she is involved with comes to a conclusion. They have all the evidence they need that they've collected from us, now they're just waiting to submit their case. He assured me that they would contact all the victims once things start moving forward. Looks like there are around 100 victims!! I had no idea it was that many.

Smokeyjoe (July 20, 2007. 08:36pm)

Thanks for update. No telling how long this will take. Just hope justice is served.

mckc (July 20, 2007. 10:48pm)

We called the DA's office this a.m. and spoke with Fiona Khalil, who is the attorney for "our" case. She told us she is getting ready to file charges in the next week or two, and added that they have been inundated with new cases and paperwork! I would advise anyone who hasn't already done so, to contact Cameron Gary's office (858)565-5815, file the FBI internet fraud report, and also contact Fiona Khalil at the San Diego DA's office 619-531-4070. (especially if you are available to testify) Karyn's next trial date for her current charges is Sept 12, 2007. We live in San Diego, and you can bet we'll be there to observe! Stay in touch and stay tuned.

mrrbn (July 21, 2007. 02:43am)

deutch17 - If you can change your dates you may want to look into buying the hyatt certificates for $249 mentioned in a post above. The rooms are only garden view, but they upgraded us to ocean front when I complained to them about the lack of compassion I was receiving from the canned email responses I was getting from customer service. We were supposed to stay at the Hyatt Kauai for 5 nights in April, but only booked 2 after we were scammed due to the cost. We ended up staying 4 nights at the Aloha Beach Resort in a cute cottage that over looked Lyngate State Park in the town of Kapaa. Although it was a little run down, the view from the patio was beautiful and so much more of a real feel than the Hyatt. I would not recommend the hotel rooms as they seemed to have a musty smell. We took the risk and booked both our stays in Maui and Kauai through the priceline auction. For $99 we got a one bedroom, two bath condo in Kihei and the 4 nights at the Aloha Beach for $76 a night. The room at the Aloha beach was really bad but when we arrived they offered to upgrade us to a cottage for an extra $25 per night. We loved the cottage. It was not polished like the hyatt but was much more our style and we would stay there if we went again. Kapaa is a beachy tourist town, but nothing too busy. It is convenient to everything. Kihei in Maui is very similar, centrally located, and affordable.
It is amazing how time heals everything and I don't think much about her anymore. I think about the wonderful vacation I had. We had to be creative and eat breakfast in the room, have picnic lunches, and only go out to dinner each evening. Good Luck to you!

caraboom (July 21, 2007. 02:54am)

deutch17, follow mrrbn's advise on this one. We did it, just got back from Kauai (Grand Hyatt). They honored the certificates and knowing that we were dooped by Karyn also upgraded us to a Ocean View Suite. They were super insofar that I will try to book Hyatt for business wherever I can going forward. If I had know this from the beginning I would have booked our whole vacation like that.

I cannot believe that after all these months this is still unfolding. You would have thought that eBay would have sent out notices to everybody affected. We really have to go after them. I don't care about their 'watertight' T&C. This is pure, criminal negligence, material for a class action.

aaronmatt (July 25, 2007. 05:41pm)

EBAY could not care less. I emailed them 10 times...and they send me b.s. back about time limit being up. When I told them I didnt find out I was scammed until I was notified of cancellation, they ignored me. They look at us as people who lost a few grand and couldnt care less.

caraboom (July 26, 2007. 05:26am)

Sure, but even though Karyn's the scammer, eBay enabled it, and did NOTHING to prevent it:

- eBay failed to provide a follow-up/complaint capability beyond the standard feedback period, allowing this scam to continue for months. For travel they should allow feedback to 30 days beyond the travel date.
- eBay failed to provide timely and adequate information to prospective and winning bidders that these listings were possibly fraudulent. To this day, eBay has not made any attempt to follow up with the parties that are affected;
- eBay failed to assure that the seller travel agent credentials (SquareTrade Travel) were bonafide, and allowed the seller to continue to place listings with the same fraudulent credentials;
- eBay allowed the seller to continue her scam under consecutive eBay IDs (eBay user ID bowheels2930 or trvlshoppe) and concealed all records of bowheels2930 thereafter; I found similar eBay listings by Ms. Damian going back as far as January 3, 2006 (I have full records in PDF format).

Consider there’s at least 70+ of us that were duped for $1K ~ $5K = $150K ~ $210 I’m sure we can find a lawyer interested in going after this. Alternatively we can all file complaints in small claims court. That’ll get eBay on notice…

Pappadoc33 (July 26, 2007. 01:56pm)

Caraboom - I could not agree more! Ebay did absolutely nothing even when they knew this was going on. They failed on some many different grounds. If all of us were to file some sort of law suite, that would certainly get their attention as well as the national media!!!

aaronmatt (July 26, 2007. 01:58pm)

I have my own nationally syndicated radio show. I have been blasting EBAY on a weekly basis for what occurred. The problem is that EBAY has insulated themselves from lawsuits...but that doesnt mean we cannot stir things up and hurt them in the media.

mckc (August 17, 2007. 09:42pm)

I looked on the San Diego Sheriff Inmate website this morning and noticed that Karyn's bail amount is now $700k. The DA filed charges yesterday -8/16. It may be a long process, but I am pleased to see that the DA's office is working in it!!

Evente (August 19, 2007. 09:42pm)

It is astonishing that this lady has been in jail for almost 1/2 year now. To repeat a previous post there are those of us who have met this lady on what is know as a FAM or familiarization trip, which are hosted site-inspection trips for people who plan meetings, events, conferences and group-trips -- but which are, unfortunately, often attended (scammed) by some who pretend to be meeting-event planners. FAM-scammers is what they are called. But phantom meeting planner is a new term not heard before. The San Diego Union-Tribute in its April 8th article about Karen (aka Karyn) Damian noted that she is "accused of scamming two national travel agencies and about 27 hotels by booking large amounts of rooms for phantom events, said San Diego Deputy District Attorney Doug Mooney." (see http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070408-9999-1m8scam.html)

San Diego has recently been giving off a dubious reputation of meeting planners. Karen Damian is just one example of allged illegal business practice. The following, uncovered by The Washington Post, in 2005, is a unique example of legal (although eyebrow-raising) business practice by another San Diego event planner.

Her name is Sunnye Sims, now Sunnye Sims-Haynie, and she was featured in a Washington Post article entitled "A Subcontractor's Short But Lucrative Existence" (see http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/29/AR2005062903077.html). Sunnye netted her a personal salary of $600,000 a month -- $5.4 million out of $24 million gross sub-contract income -- for 9 months' work as a TSA subcontractor. Subsequent federal auditing determined that that about $15 million in Sunnye's expenses did not merit payment. Sunnye didn't care -- she had already gotten her $20+ million which, with a $20,000-a-day personal salary, helped her move from a $1025-a-month, 2-bedroom apartment to a $1+ million mansion.

What is it about San Diego that produces the likes (not equating them, now) of Karen/Karyn & Sunnye?

Evente (August 29, 2007. 02:34am)

August 29th is inmate Karen Damian's 50th birthday; what a sad day to spend in jail especially under an increased bail of $700000 (up by half-million from when she was first arrested 6 months ago, on March 1. Her update jail listing is found at http://www.sdsheriff.net/wij/wijDetail.aspx?BookNum=7715576, which even has a link if one wants to send her an email. Sad.

Smokeyjoe (August 30, 2007. 04:07pm)

Why think of it as sad - it is of her own doing! It is sad that people have to be so low-down as to steal from others. Sorry Evente, most of us probably don't care where she spends her birthday.

debyew (October 3, 2007. 08:22pm)

If you filed a complaint with the San Diego DA's office, you should have received this information yesterday via email. If you haven't filed yet, please contact them as soon as possible.

BTW, I did ask the the person in the DA's office if she had assets with which to make the required restitution - he said he had no idea.

Email from DA's office: "Karen Damian pled guilty to seven felonies on October 2, 2007. Her felony pleas are for violations of Penal Code section 535, obtaining money through a fraudulent auction, and Penal Code section 487, grand theft. Damian stipulated that she will be sentenced to six years in prison. Her plea also includes a stipulation that restitution is in the amount of $166,782.90. This amount includes both charged and uncharged victims of the fraudulent scheme Damian ran over the internet to sell vacations.

Damian's sentencing will be on November 29, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in D29 at 220 West Broadway, San Diego , CA 92101 . As a victim you are entitled to attend the sentencing and be heard by the court should you wish to make a statement. In the coming weeks a probation officer may contact you and ask your opinion concerning the sentence the court should impose and the impact of these crimes on you. Your statements may be included in a written report provided to the judge and the parties. If you should wish to write a letter to the court to be considered at sentencing you should address the letter to the Honorable Susan Sontag, Judge of the Superior Court. Those letters should be sent to the District