But I couldn't possibly tell them the truth, that would make them want to charge me more based on my pocket weight.

I am glad you are wise enough to know your own country and what they are always up to.
Talking about this calibre of people alone use to annoy the hell out of me.
Some of them are like devil's candidates. And I wonder if its even a crime to have light skin ones in our country, perhaps those ones can pretend to be angels at least hahahahaha.

I am sorry to hear about the unfair treatment and judgment you and your girlfriend had.
This is the mess most of the countries are becoming.