Here is a story about a father who charged a prospective groom $270 just to look at his daughter before he married her. He also wanted a down payment on the dowry! After paying both sums and viewing his potential (2nd) wife, he called it off after finding out the woman had been married before.
Doesn't he know in the US he can view many "prospective wives" for a mere $1 each, along with a $6 beer at any local gentleman's establishment? No down payment required...