[Starfish]

It prolly goes this way: the thief pays your friend every month, then he pays you. Then the thief won't pay, your friend says he's trying to get him pay so he could pay you, then he maybe pays you something once or twice. I don't think he will feel he's fully responsible for the debt that the thief prolly never pays him back.

My guess is you'll end up getting $500-1000 back. If it satisfies you, do it.

Why couldn't he sell everything he owns, then get more from his family, then try to borrow the rest? I think I know the answer, though. I know many guys like him.