AIBU to think this is a well known scam?

[EvaRoad]

....or have I just been unlucky? (Name changed as too outing)

At the end of July my girlfriend dropped her phone and it broke "beyond repair". She was distraught, did not know what she was going to do and needed a new phone. I suggested she asked her friends or asked her family but ultimately she made it clear that if I didn't get her a phone then she would not be able to contact me anymore. I was in a difficult position, her birthday was coming up, so I eventually relented and purchased her a new phone on a contract. Anyway, I never got to see the phone, as she kept on making excuses not to see me, and then last week she said she had "got back with her ex", didn't want to see me again, and blocked me. Obviously she's still got the phone and I've now got to pay for the rest of the contract.

What really gets me is that this is the second time this has happened to me, my previous girlfriend did something similar, breaking up with me within a few weeks of getting her a new phone a couple of years back.

So is this a well known scam, or have I just been unlucky? Do girls really drop their phones as often as they say?

@EvaRoad

For those saying I was gullible, how else would you respond to the line "You would do it if you really loved me?"

I’d see that as a huge red flag, and so should you. I assume you’re not a millionaire to whom the cost of a phone is a drop in the ocean?

her comment about 'childish' is a great excuse to not contact you and BINGO she now has a phone.

Ignore everything she says, she is playing you. You are being manipulated.
Send a text telling her that she has to return the phone or you will contact police.
Or block it and have the satisfaction of knowing she has no phone.

If you cancel the contract you are still committed to pay for it. The cost of the phone is broken down over the 24 months. You can however blacklist the device with your network and this means pgd can't use it as a phone again.

The original SIM you can have the number changed on and can be used by someone you trust
Even if you report lost/stolen to the phone company the onus is on you to have insurance

What caused the issue in question was that on Friday she had asked for £500 towards her birthday party. My reply was "no, you are back with your ex, ask him", and that is how I got blocked. Tonight she said "If you had paid me on Friday, I wouldn't have ended this".

**she

You’re really being a bit fuckwitted. Stop contacting this girl she’s a chancer and you’re being daft

OP this post is making me very sad. You should still block the phone, even if she won’t return it. Then at least she can’t use it, and won’t benefit, even if you are stuck paying for it. Learn from that mistake and seek out healthier relationships in future. Run a fucking mile if any gf (especially of a few months!) tries to financially blackmail you.

@EvaRoad

What caused the issue in question was that on Friday she had asked for £500 towards her birthday party. My reply was "no, you are back with your ex, ask him", and that is how I got blocked. Tonight she said "If you had paid me on Friday, I wouldn't have ended this".

Ok, I think you’re taking the piss.

Welcome to Mumsnet, btw.

I can't believe this is for real. Get the phone blocked using the IMEI and stop having any contact with this person. She is using you.

@EvaRoad

For those saying I was gullible, how else would you respond to the line "You would do it if you really loved me?"

Get turned off.

🍷 You will have learnt a lot here so be kind to yourself, dont berate yourself. We all make mistakes.

Definitely not a piss take. I'm sorry I am not being believed. I have replied in the manner that was suggested.

What was your reply then?

How old are you both?

Well...have you actually learnt a lesson?
You sound very young stupid and it's ok to make mistakes, we all do

How did u get the sim if you haven't seen the phone!!??

OP, I've read your posts and I really love you a lot. I want to call you and send you naughty pictures but unfortunately I dropped my phone. Can you send me one? Don't want earlier than an iPhone 11 obviously. Will PM you my address x

Both in our 30s. The new contract was an upgrade of my spare phone, so I still have the phone number connected to my old phone.

You're in your 30s?

I'm embarrassed for you both.

Who IS this woman?! I can't believe anyone would be so entitled and grasping.

In your next relationship you must stand up for yourself more. Don't believe you won't find anyone as good and that you must capitulate, because anyone emotionally blackmailing you in the way it seems these women did immediately marks themselves as cruel and not worth persevering with.

@EvaRoad

Both in our 30s. The new contract was an upgrade of my spare phone, so I still have the phone number connected to my old phone.

Still not replying what you actually texted her then.

And yet you don’t see why you’re not being believed?

Wow ok step one before you even worry about the phone is learn your lesson.

Seriously. I have been with DP for 5 years , we live together , look after children together and are getting married next year. Not once have I ever insisted he pay for a phone for me (we have separate finances to a point), nor have I ever uttered the words "If you loved me you would..... " get some support about your choices in relationships. They are not transactional of they are healthy.

Bloody hell I didn't say any of that to my ex husband and we were married for 10 years. Stop buying people things.

The phone may be a learning tax. Its crap but bloody hell, value yourself higher.

@phishy I asked for my phone back.

Just had a reply "Actually I thought you wouid make it up to me and I would have changed my mind. Bit tight aren't you?" I think I am being bullied here.