OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Clients who paid upfront for trips got a message from the travel agent who left them with canceled reservations.
A First Alert 6 investigation first brought this case to light last week. Tonight, new information adds to the clients’ frustration.
The cancellation email
Clients of Captivating Travels by Connie received an email informing them their trips were canceled.
“Saying they are no longer in business, and all our reservations have been canceled,” said Stacy Russ, a client.
The email promised refunds would be issued through the proper channels.
“Also, it’s not so much about the money — it’s about the memories she has taken away from our families and our kids, really,” Russ said.
A Facebook page titled “Connie Seastedt Victims” has 242 members. Traci Lutt says about 100 guests to her daughter’s Dominican Republic destination wedding paid upfront for bookings through Captivating Travels by Connie.
“It’s not just a little bit here and there. No money has been received by the resort,” Lutt said. When asked how much money was involved, Lutt said, “Two hundred thousand — we’re not quite sure.”
Where clients can turn
Donna Dutcher of Celebrate Travel says clients of Connie Seastedt may have another avenue to pursue.
“They can maybe go back to the host agency who she worked under and see if they have any insurance that would cover fraud. In order to even operate as a travel agent, she’s under someone,” Dutcher said.
Captivating Travels by Connie has issued refunds to several clients, but five checks written to one couple all bounced.
FBI involvement predates recent losses
First Alert 6 has learned that up to eight months before dozens of clients lost thousands of dollars in prepaid trips canceled by Captivating Travels by Connie, a travel management company had terminated her contract and reported her to the FBI.
Neither the company nor its attorney wanted to be named while the investigation is ongoing, but the attorney sent an email stating the FBI became involved shortly after concerns about Seastedt were reported on June 18, 2025.
More than eight months later, Heidi Gatling sent Connie Seastedt a $13,000 wire transfer for a trip that was later canceled.
“My money could have been saved if this had been handled a year ago — over a year ago when they found out about this. And a lot of our money, actually, a lot of us,” Gatling said.
A Federal Bureau of Investigation spokesperson said the FBI is aware of the allegations. However, the FBI does not comment on whether an investigation is underway.s at this time.”
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