A romantic weekend at a five-star hotel was organized by my boyfriend. Up until the point of checkout, everything felt ideal. He blushed with shame when his card was declined. Grinning, I covered the cost of our stay.

The receptionist quietly drew me aside as we were leaving and warned, “Be careful, I’ve seen this guy do the same thing with other women.” They wind up paying for everything after he arrives and his card is rejected. You’re a victim of fraud!

I decided not to trust her. I had no reason not to trust him, and we were still in the early stages of our relationship. But as time went on, he began to perform these same tricks more frequently. I became aware that he was forcing me to cover other costs, like shopping excursions. His attempt to embezzle my money by coercing me into investing in a dubious scheme was the last straw.

I ended our relationship. However, I still can’t shake the memory of that hotel stay because it was the start of everything, and I wish I had paid attention to that girl.