Believe it or not crooks and swindlers are devising new ways to con unsuspecting people Their ingenuity knows no bounds and one is simply astounded with a gaping mouth at their audacity to strike wit impunity. At a recent wedding at a Church in South Goa, a lady participant , well dressed, volunteered to hold the overflowing gift envelopes for the bride, There was no suspicion aroused in this benevolent act, since the bride must have assumed that the said lady is from the groom side. It was much later that realisation dawned upon the bride, when the crook made good her scape, disappearing in thin air, unhindered and unnoticed Gifts of envelopes also went missing at the wedding reception due to lack of suspicion of such cheats operating in crowded receptions halls Catholic weddings Bare unwieldy and free for all .Many a uninvited guests attend and feast to their hearts content and this a regular phenomenon and past time for some disguised as guests. The gifts should necessarily be entrusted to known, close relatives and friends for safe keeping. At some Hindu weddings there is no acceptance of gifts if there is a mention to that effect. One is forced politely to take it back with no love lost or considering it as an offence Gift cheques could be more secure and gifts need not be carried at wedding receptions The pilfering of wedding presents by well dressed individuals at the reception is well known and care taken by placing a watch at all times The latest improvisations is to remove the labels and replace them with their own. Invitees still carry presents, unnecessarily in spite of the message on the invitation cards The missing gift envelopes give no clue to the identity of donors and that is the agony At in another incident very recently, some one walked away , unnoticed, coolly with a serving steel kettle for 100 cups, worth Rs 3000= Tea and snacks were being served to the mourners at months mind. It is only at the end that this missing vessel was noticed with horror and disgust Our trust and confidence need to be re evaluated at all times and in all places Eternal vigilance is the only and best assurance. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
