The woman has probably lied, and is probably a tool in the hands of others for raising money, as you have already suggested.
But, according to your own showing there has been much in your life to authorise the statement.

I do not know what does or does not constitute a marriage there.' 'The laws are the same as ours.' 'There at any rate you are wrong.

Their marriage laws are not the same as ours, though how they may differ you and I probably do not accurately know.

And they may be altered at any time as they may please.

Let the laws be what they will, it is quite possible, after what you have told me, that they may bring up evidence which you would find it very difficult to refute.