Diamond deals in hotels

Diamond deals in hotels

From Bisnis Indonesia

Lured by a newspaper ad on diamonds, with offers of cash payment and high-value assessment, I contacted the advertisers on their cellular phone on July 7.

They made an appointment for the next day in a luxurious hotel in Jakarta.

One of the their employees welcomed me and invited me into a room for the transaction.

After one-and-a-half hours they had yet to make a decision. Their reason was that the diamond appraiser was still heading toward the hotel. Because of my need for cash, I could do nothing but wait for the expert. During the wait, the conversation went in all directions, with them asking me about my work and hobbies.

I patiently responded to their questions despite my annoyance. Then came a staggering question from them -- whether I liked to gamble.

I felt disquiet rising in me. It looked like a hoax, reminding me of a case a few years ago when somebody was invited to a hotel for business but who, on arrival, was invited to gamble on buttons. I said good-bye to them as soon as I could.

The experience above should remind us to be wary of diamond transactions held at places alien to us.

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