We don’t know anything about the family, we don’t know what the kid left behind, we don’t know if any money was wasted, and most of all we have no idea if this is a sign of trouble or wisdom on the part of the kid (who got A’s first semester). The OP seems supportive of the son, if worried- if you read the two posts carefully. And said she was going to complete the “transaction” at school.
I am not trying to shut this down as intparent said, but simply remarking that the thread no longer has much to do with the OP. There just isn’t enough background information and clearly the OP has long gone. Speculation doesn’t seem that useful. And there does seem to be quite a bit of hostility toward the kid.
I have the flu and am bored, but as suggested, will not read this any further.