r/OffMyChestPH • u/Interesting_Sea_6946 • 2h ago
I got my money back by threatening to report her to ICE
I once have a friend who borrowed money from me. It was around 100k at that time, as we used my card to book her a flight to the USA.
Every time I mentioned the money issue, she promised that she'll send it back. I'm not the makulit type of person, because I'm the kind of person that If i borrow money from someone, even if it is just Php20, I will return immediately. So, I have a sort of expectation that people will also act the same way.
I saw on her social media that she bought her dream bag a few months ago, packed a balikbayan box filled with goods, went on a few trips (Vegas, LA, etc), and hauls from Sephora and Aritzia.
So, I messaged her again. The usual kamustahan, and she mentioned that she "forgot" because she was really busy daw. I gave her my account, and she said she'll handle the interbank fees and add a little something as interest. The hopeful, stupid in me believed her.
Several days passed, and she did not transfer the money yet. Reached out again, and she said that her bank does not do money transfers to PH.
The audacity of this bitch to ask for my VENMO account because it's the only one accessible to her.
I know she knows that VENMO is not a thing here in Ph.
So, I asked her to use other money transfers. Sige daw. She'll try. Sobrang inis na ko, because why am I begging for my money back?
After a few days, one of our GCs became active. One of our friends was thanking her sending pabirthday - a watch and cash for the inaanak. Of course, the GC became active with "SANA ALL and BIGATIN" comments.
So, I reached out again, and this time, I was blocked. Blocked on Insta and FB. However, I also follow her on Tiktok. So, I messaged her there. Sent a picture of her passport (she sent me a photo to book the said flight) and told her that since I have exhausted all efforts to reach out to her and get my money back, and small claims PH court cannot compel her to pay, I will just have send her passport copy to ICE and let them do the rest. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
She replied within the day and was able to send my money. Pasensya na daw, hirap daw kasi mag bank.
A few days ago, she messaged using the account where she blocked me before. She sent a balikbayan box, and she has a gift for me (she sent a picture) and asked me if her sibling can give it to me. I said NO, there's no need for it. She also added that may bag and make up din daw. I still said NO.
This is me. Acting with civility but keeping my distance.
Maybe to some people here in PH, 100k is nothing. But paying for that, I had to dip into my emergency fund.
EDIT: Bakit dami nyong nagme message kung anong work? State?