Three of the Universal Rules To Live By:
Never loan anything to anybody if you're not willing to give it to them as a gift -- especially money.
Never co-sign a loan for anybody if you're not willing to give them the total amount of the loan as a gift.
Loaning money to a friend is one of the quickest ways to lose both your money and your friend.
I'm sorry you've had to learn this the hard way.
I hope you're not on the hook for too many dollars. {{{hugs}}}
Mathew