Family Betrayal Over Money

In a troubling case of family betrayal, a Singaporean man found himself engulfed in anxiety after his cousin, who had borrowed S$8,000, went silent and stopped responding to messages. Sharing his story on the Reddit community r/askSingapore, he described how his trust quickly turned to disappointment.

The Loan Under False Pretenses

The cousin had borrowed the money last year under the pretext of needing it for a 'court case,' and reassured the man that he would repay him. Unfortunately, after providing the money, the only response he received from his cousin were a series of excuses before the communication ceased altogether.

Uncovering Shocking Revelations

Seeking clarity, he turned to his uncle and aunt, only to uncover shocking revelations: they too had financially supported their son, lending him a staggering S$60,000. Adding to the distress, the cousin had also taken S$800 from his younger brother, who is still studying at a polytechnic.

Emotional Toll and Frustration

'This cousin, in his 30s, is able-bodied and refuses to work, focusing solely on get-rich-quick schemes,' the man lamented. He expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing that the lost S$8,000 represented not just money but his hard work and future plans, including his upcoming wedding and homeownership.

Seeking Advice Online

The emotional toll of the situation has been significant. 'I've been working for about two years, and it’s hard not to fixate on how this money could have helped me start my future,' he shared. He reached out to fellow Reddit users for advice, asking how others have coped after being similarly scammed by family.

Empathy and Shared Experiences

The online response was filled with empathy and shared experiences. Many users recounted their own tales of financial betrayal by relatives, offering support and advice on moving forward. One comment stood out: 'Letting go of the lost money, while focusing on rebuilding my finances, helped me find peace. Forgiveness does wonders, even from a distance.'

Advice on Lending Money

Others offered practical advice, with one user sternly suggesting, 'Only lend what you’re willing to lose forever. If a family member asks for more, consider it a red flag to reevaluate the relationship.'