My heart sank when this happened...

[Steve.r]

John,

It is so difficult to know if this is a case of you being seen as a soft target and scammed, or whether this girl genuinely needs the cash. Every situation is different, but it seems that this can happen a lot.

I can only judge from my own experience. My girlfriend is in a similar position. She has 2 young boys back in Phils, she now works and is living in Singapore. Over the last seven months I have known her, she has never asked me for a penny. She works several jobs, long hours and goes to school to try to improve herself. If this is not a case for asking for help, I don't know what is, but....she has never asked. She will be earning less in Singapore than in the Uk.
I have given her a few gifts of course, but I have always thought that I do so because I love her, and I can afford to. If you can afford to help her, and not expect anything in return, then help the girl. Give her a gift. BUT.....be warned, scammers will scam, and not just people from abroad, but closer to home too.

hth

[pumpkins]

hi john welcome here
from my own advice, test her..
if she borrowed money from you and did'nt pay it back then you got the message..
and i think you could feel if she is genuine. just make your own observation about her.
dont be the one of the list of people being scammed..its terrible

[John.C]

If you can afford to help her, and not expect anything in return, then help the girl. Give her a gift.

Steve - thank you so much. Your post, especially this comment, has helped to clear my head a little, because this is what my instincts are telling me. The money is for sending home - of that I am 100% certain. I am a soft touch (but not a fool) - no question, but this girl seems to want nothing for herself - what a contrast with some British women I have met in my life. Thank you to all who are leaving their thoughts.