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.

Name and address

known to the editor