How to Avoid Being Scammed
- The best way to avoid being scammed is not to send Russian girls any money or valuable things. At least not until after you are 100% sure that one is real. You should have corresponded with her for a long period of time, spoken on the phone, or even met her, before considering sending her money.
- Don't emphasize the fact that you have money. In internet dating, just as in real life, talk about your hobbies, movies, plans for the future - anything. The subject of money will only attract scammers and gold-diggers.
- From the beginning of your correspondence on dating websites, if you feel that you have found a mutual interest, mention coming to Russia, and maybe even visiting those Russian girls. This will scare off any potential scammers.
- Also mention that you would like to talk to her over the phone. This is usually not as effective, as some Russian girls might decline due to poor English skills, or lack of a phone (which is not too uncommon in the countries of the former Soviet Union), but it will make a scammer feel uncomfortable.
- If certain Russian girls write to you about correspondence expenses, you can offer to pay for the mail forwarding yourself. This would not involve sending any money to them personally. If a girl is honest and sincerely interested in you, she will accept this offer gladly. If not, she will disappear and you'd not have wasted your time or money either.
- Read the warning signs. Ask her for her postal address, and use it to check up on her in our Russian girls database. Try sending her something: a letter, a photo of yourself, or a rose from us. If she doesn't receive it, something could be wrong. We will gladly help you out by visiting the address personally within 24-48 hrs of you ordering our service, and confirming the existence of an address or a person.
- Here's a neat trick in internet dating: send her a blank letter. A real girl will either ignore it, or write back, asking why you sent her a blank letter. Some scammers will write back, thanking you for your wonderful letter, reminding you that they love you. This also works with 'gibberish' letters. Send two pages of nonsense and wait for her reaction.
If you should find out that she is a scammer, don't forget to report her to her agency or dating websites. This will help prevent any future incidents.
Warning Signs
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If she sends you photographs, take notice: does she look like a 'real' person? Most real Russian girls can't afford to have expensive studio-shots done. Ask yourself this: why did she mention how short of money she is, when she can afford to have her hair and make-up done for an expensive photo-shoot? Another thing is to watch out for nude or suggestive photos. Most Russian girls with pure intentions wouldn't do something that drastic. Also, watch out for women young enough to be your daughter.
- Overly tender letters at the very beginning of your correspondence on dating websites. For example, if she calls you "My Darling", or signs her first letters to you "with love".
- Vague letters with no or few questions about you. She may write very loving letters about how much she needs you, misses and loves you, yet doesn't seem interested in you personally. The Russian girls seriously considering marriage will obviously have questions.
- Your questions are never or rarely answered. A real girl will understand that you have questions about her, and try to answer them. A scammer might not even read your email.
- Her letters may seems like "form" letters, and if she is a scammer, they are form letters. They're usually sent out in order - reply 1, reply 2, etc. If she's working on many people at once, you may even receive letters addressed to someone else. Her letters may become progressively sexual, and her photos more seductive. This is a common theme throughout the varying scams.
- Hints about how expensive Internet cafes are. They can be expensive, but most Russian girls don't use Internet cafes for their correspondence. The majority of girls will have Internet access at work, or through a friend. They may pay someone for this service, but if they claim it's costing them $50 - $100 per month, you need to be suspicious. Besides Internet cafes, there are business centers in almost every city where e-mail can be sent and received very inexpensively.
- A tragedy occurred and money is urgently needed. This is the most common scam used in internet dating and on dating websites. It usually comes up after she's corresponded with you for a while. The story could be almost anything - one of her parents are ill, or got hit by a car and could die unless an expensive operation is performed; her money was lost or stolen, the rent is due and she could be evicted and end up on the streets. There are endless variations to this theme. You shouldn't fall for this unless you've met the girl and her family in person, or otherwise know the story could be true.
- She wants to visit you in the USA, and needs money for the visa/tickets. While it is possible for Russian girls to obtain a tourist visa to visit the USA, it's would be very difficult. A certain income level must be met and there are many restrictions. While it's less trouble for a Russian or Ukrainian citizen to visit other countries within the CIS, this remains one of the most common scams. Most real Russian girls would prefer that you visited them in their home country, where they could be in familiar surroundings and introduce you to their family.
Unfortunately, some scammers in internet dating know of these warning signs and how to avoid arousing suspicion. Be patient. A loving and faithful relationship takes time to build, and scammers will get restless. They wait for the easier prey, especially for those men who seem to be new at meeting Russian girls on dating websites. We encourage you to tell us about any suspicions you might have, or any topics we haven't discussed.
What to Do if You Suspect a Scammer
- Don't send her any money.
- Check the scammer list for her name and browse for her photo. If you don't find her there, send us an email.
- You can take advantage of our service, in which we will visit her, delivering her a single rose. We will give you a confirmation, and upon your request, take her photo or check her passport.
- If, after consulting with us, you decide she's not a scammer, you can continue your relationship without any needless doubts.
Enjoy a safe, scam free internet dating. Date Russian girls and find your love.
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