My brother asked to borrow $500 for 'car repairs' and I found out it was for a concert trip

He called me last Tuesday sounding really stressed, saying his transmission was shot. I sent the money via Venmo because family helps family, right? Then my cousin texted me a photo of him at the big stadium show in Charlotte this past weekend, holding up a beer. I felt so stupid and used. I learned that just giving money without asking for any proof or details is a bad move, even with family. How do you guys handle loan requests when you suspect it's not for the stated reason?

3 comments

3 Comments

kelly.keith2mo ago

My buddy got burned like that last year. His sister needed "emergency vet money" for her cat, but the whole thing was for a fancy spa weekend. He only found out because she posted pictures online. Now he asks to see the bill or invoice before sending a cent, no matter who it is.

wright.dakota2mo ago

Wow, that's not even a real emergency...

ross.sean12h ago

A buddy of mine fell for that exact same thing. Lent his cousin money for a "flat tire" but it was really for concert tickets. He only found out because the cousin tagged him in Instagram stories from the show.