My fiancee was robbed

[Cali James]

... in response to My fiancee was robbed, posted by Cali James on Oct 8, 2003

My wife said that this is a common scam in Colombia from a few years back and usually played against the elderly or naive.  I was probably a bit hard on your novia who just may be foolish enough to go pick up $1400 alone.

Anyway, it's probably more your fault than hers by sending her such a large amount of money without any real need to do so.

[cassius]

... in response to Re: My fiancee was robbed, posted by Cali James on Oct 8, 2003

Well there is the other part of the story right there.

Star by now knows her style and yet sends a large amount. He doesn't arrange for her to go collect the money with another ADULT.

But still, either she can handle her own personal business like an adult in this bad world, or she can't. Just because many others have been conned doesn't remove the character red flag.

In good time all will be revealed one way or another.

[Starman]

... in response to Re: Re: My fiancee was robbed, posted by cassius on Oct 8, 2003

I did arrange to have her pick the money up with another adult, but we are in a rush because she had to pay for the tickets that afternoon to keep the reservations nad no one was available at that time. One of the airlines for this particular flight does not have electronic tickets so thats why I sent the money.

She is a little naive and trusting. She has never had any problems like this before. I do not consider this to be a red flag...only an expensive lesson. If I had any reason not to trust her I'd definately an issue with this. And believe me, I've been thinking about this long and hard and I must put this behind us and be more careful in the future. What is interesting is about a month before I was married for the first time I was robbed while I sat in my car in a parking lot. Since then I'm much more careful as I was at the time a little naive also.

As far as handling her own business like an adult, she will be just fine. This is a hard lesson that she will never forget.

And you are correct, in good time all will be revealed...I'm no fool.

Thanks for the comments.

Tim.

[cassius]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: My fiancee was robbed, posted by Starman on Oct 9, 2003

Star:

Seems you are handling this in the best way possible. My comments have only been about helping you keep your eyes and mind open. That is what we are all here for in times of trouble.

The main lesson on this board is that anything can happen when involved with these latinas. Dreams, hopes and desires often prove stronger than reality.

But this incident may be the type of misfortune that can happen to anyone. You know her best.

So I wish you and her better times from here on.

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sure the guys' comments have been made to help you.

Best wishes.

[Starman]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: My fiancee was robbed, posted by cassius on Oct 9, 2003

[cassius]

... in response to Re: Re: My fiancee was robbed, posted by Starman on Oct 8, 2003

Star:

You are the one involved not me. So I'm going to take the opportunity of doing some hard thinking for you. It is meant sincerely.

What is so wonderful about a person being so naive and trusting that their own personal possesion is taken from them, face to face, in broad day light? I'll venture to say that this is a good reason to look very carefully at your lady's character.

This should serve as a red flag. If she can't handle her own business in a careful adult way, then how will she deal with the pressures and conflicts of US life. How does she really deal with things now in Ven?

C'mon man, there are 16yr girls who would never allow anyone to hustle them like that! Pardon me but that whole scene boiled down to her character: how to deal with strangers, force of will, hard common sense, self-protection, awareness, emotional strength....?

Perhaps she has all these and more in other situations, but you may want to ask yourself this - what does it take to make her abandon all practical caution?

To be trusting and naive with total strangers is not a positive quality. I don't see anything romantic about. Don't settle for anything just because things have been rosy romance over the past year.

This may be a small sign for you to look more closely into who she is. The importance of recent stories posted here is that guys in SA need to look at character and events very carefully.

[moam]

... in response to My fiancee was robbed, posted by Starman on Oct 7, 2003

That is so unfortunate that this has happened,
besides being traumatized, both her and your wallet I hope that you are able to get back on track getting her here.
Sorry to hear this Tim!!

moam

[Cali James]

... in response to My fiancee was robbed, posted by Starman on Oct 7, 2003


I'm not sure what service you used to send the money but every one I ever used was very careful with the money.  Western Union will count and double count the money in front of you and there's no comingling of other customers money or envelope games.  If you used Western Union I'd be suspicious of the story.....

[cancunhound]

... in response to Re: My fiancee was robbed, posted by Cali James on Oct 7, 2003

It does sound a little suspicious but scams are possible anywhere.  This sounds like a slick con man job - probably well dressed, professional appearing - that simply "pulled one over" on Starman's fiancee.  Myself I'd be pissed with the fiancee, and let her dwell on her mistake a couple of weeks while I worked on gaining the money again! Of course, sounds like the visa has been stamped and time is ticking.  (Sorry Starman)

[thundernco]

... in response to My fiancee was robbed, posted by Starman on Oct 7, 2003

Starman,

My apologies, I just realized that your novia is in Caracas and not Cali, so my comments on the tranfer offices are irrelevant.  Regardless, sorry to hear what happened to you and yours.  Hang in there and good luck, it'll all be worth it. -TNC

[thundernco]

... in response to My fiancee was robbed, posted by Starman on Oct 7, 2003

In most of these money offices/storefronts, they have armed guards at the door to let people in and out, also signs that warn people not to give anything or accept help from anyone unless it's the person behind the counter.  Not sure where this happened or how long it took for her to look inside the envelope before she yelled for help, but it sounds a bit odd to me.  However, it could have just been naivete on her part.  If you fly one of the major airlines, you can purchase the tickets here and have your novia go to the airport, show ID and they will print the tickets out for her.  Good Luck. -TNC

[wizard]

... in response to My fiancee was robbed, posted by Starman on Oct 7, 2003

[This message has been edited by wizard]

n/t

[wizard]

... in response to My fiancee was robbed, posted by Starman on Oct 7, 2003

[This message has been edited by wizard]

Do  you send the money  to her by western union, or bank??

Lo siento, pero esta historia me huele a pescado...

[DallasSteve2]

... in response to Re: My fiancee was robbed, posted by wizard on Oct 7, 2003

It sounds like she might be setting him up for more cash, right?  Most Colombianas are too savvy to get scammed like that in my opinion.  Anyway, I did this three times and never sent money to the girl for air tickets.  I always paid for the tickets with my credit card and she picked up the tickets at the airport or they were delivered to her.

Steve

[Starman]

... in response to Fishy indeed, posted by DallasSteve2 on Oct 8, 2003

My fiancee is from Venezuela and is not street smart...she is very trusting. I trust her completely. The money they stole was for her airline tickets to come here next week. I'm paying for the tickets online this time.

Tim.