I've been getting a rash of woman on SA recently that have come across with this I'm good with $XXX but I need X upfront to ensure we meet. All have some lame excuse about a bad experience on SA and that's why they ask for money upfront. I engaged with one and asked 1) what is the point of asking for the money before the meeting? Someone gives you the money and they will never see you again. 2) What if I said no but would do $x/2 and 3) Why not I promise a meet fee at the meeting bc I do everything in cash. At least on the third option, a person would be guaranteed to at least meet you. I had not intention of following through on either 2 or 3 but wanted to see the response. The funny part was she responded to it by only answering #2 with a yes and here is my cashapp address. I responded that she missed the point of the question. I responded asking about option 3 at which she finally said ok. But I haven't heard from her since. lol. I do not expect to hear from her ever again. lol So far there have been 3 like this and a couple more that have not responded but by their profiles, I am expecting a similar response to my initial inquiry.
Of course, your Spidey Senses are saving you. Well done.
The apparent lack of comprehension of your counterproposals is a pretty good sign that the reader never intended to meet you. They just wanted to wear you down or hope you would be one of 1-5% (or more?) of "marks" they contact that actually send cash.
I no longer even try to negotiate beyond my 1st response offering things like small amounts for gas/parking, or cash if/when we agree to consummate the arrangement.
Life is good
The Cat
I try to forestall the asks for cash but saying our first meet will be at a nice cafe/restaurant with zero pressure, expectation or obligation. But way too often they simply disregard that or pretend not to understand. I had one just today who responded by saying she needed $500 to meet up, just to prove I am serious. I politely declined and explained why. To my surprise she said, well you seem nice, so let's meet anyway. Who knows, maybe she'll even show up!