Good questions, @truckinusa
The timeline of how they met is also contradictory.
In one reported scenario, they knew each other from Fraser's investment in the computer company from 2002:
In 2002, Garza began Optima Computers in Brattleboro, which offered new computer systems for sale, as well as service and repair of existing computer systems, of which Fraser was an investor.
So Fraser was an investor in his company before they actually "met?" uh-huh....
Garza and Fraser have had a business and personal relationship since approximately 2003, when Garza installed internet at Fraser’s house on Lake Dunmore.
SOMETHING DOES NOT ADD UP in this perverted FAIRY TALE......
https://vtdigger.org/2016/12/09/garza-accused-mastermind-bitcoin-fraud-scheme/In 1995, Jeff Bezos began Amazon.com, of which suchmoon was an investor - doesn't mean that suchmoon was buddies with Bezos in 1995 and/or an early Amazon investor. Suchmoon could have bought some Amazon shares years later. Wording could be better but it's technically correct.
This is just an example. If I was given half a million dollars over 10 years there are so many things that I could do with that money to create a business that is legit and also would support my family. I believe you could at least have a pretty good start on a McDonald's franchise. I am not saying this is the best investment, but it is sure a whole lot better than optima computers or a bitcoin ponzi called GAW. Something just doesn't add up.
I still find if incredible that Fraser could have fallen for Garza's bullshit, but if I squint just right I guess I could imagine this being remotely possible:
1) Garza may have known a thing or two about computers back in 2003, at least a bit more than Fraser. Combined with some bullshit "business plan" he may have been able to convince Fraser to invest a small amount into his "business".
2) Perhaps the computer business wasn't a total flop, at least not before they pivoted to the ISP business. Not sure if that was Garza's idea or Fraser's, but they seem to have had a reasonably good run with it.
3) After two successful (according to Garza's definition of "successful", i.e. being able to lease a Ferrari) ventures Fraser may have been inclined to open his wallet a bit more when confronted with new buzzwords like "bitcoin".
However I'm still puzzled by Fraser's inability - IN 10+ YEARS - to figure out how full of shit Garza was. Most sane people and even many of his fervent supporters figured him out in a few weeks/months.
