Doral woman took thousands for ‘American Airlines benefits,’ but there was a big problem, cops say

Ana Cruz-Lopez (MDCR/Pexels)

DORAL, Fla. – Police say a Doral woman made a deal with four people: She’d sell them her “American Airlines benefits” for $1,500 per person.

Except, investigators say, there was a big problem the victims were unaware of before sending her thousands of dollars: She didn’t work for American Airlines.

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In fact, according to her arrest report, Ana Paula Cruz-Lopez doesn’t even have a job at all.

The report doesn’t make clear exactly what “benefits” the Brazilian national promised the four, but one victim said he sent her $4,000, two sent her $1,500 each and another sent her $1,895, it states.

Police didn’t specify why some of the alleged victims sent Cruz-Lopez more than the stated price.

Regardless, police said two of the victims later found out that Cruz-Lopez didn’t work for the airline and tried to get their money back.

Police said the 54-year-old responded by saying she “already used the money” and “did not have the money at this time.”

The scam would end with the victims receiving no benefits and Doral police arresting Cruz-Lopez on Tuesday on four felony counts of organized scheme to defraud, authorities said.

She reportedly confessed to police before her arrest.

According to jail records, Cruz-Lopez was set to leave the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center Wednesday on a $20,000 bond.


About the Author

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.

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