Getting ripped off by your Russian online date is no fun. In fact, finding out that the person you have grown to love is not real is a shock for every victim, and can be devastating. This unpleasant surprise is something that thousands of people experience on a daily basis, despite the warnings that are constantly released by the media and private investigators in Russia.

What is clear is that the impact of this kind of fraud is global. No country is immune and authorities have failed to attack the problem as a global issue, leaving it the matter to local jurisdictions who are many times tied of hands. According to a recent article on Russian romance scams, Australian men alone send $25 million annually to scammers from Russia and other ex-Soviet countries (mostly Ukraine and Belarus). Men in the U.S. forked out a similar sum, followed by the U.K., Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E. The great majority of the victims come from developed countries or countries where there is wealth, and people who speak English, as being able to communicate is essential.

How to recognize a Russian romance scam

Internet criminals are getting more creative by the day. Finding new ways to drain your bank account is what they do best.  One of the newest schemes in online scams involves death threats and blackmail, and they are highly effective in getting victims to cooperate.  Romance scams are reaching new levels, and law enforcement in Moscow, Kiev and Bucharest say crime syndicates are causing serious harm to Eastern Europe’s reputation.

Recognizing the signs of a romance scam is not an easy task. Scammers typically create fake online profiles designed to  lure their victims in. They may use a fictional name, or falsely take on the identities of real, trusted people such as aid workers or professionals. But what is true is that none of those fake profiles are thoughtless. Scammers have put a lot of effort in choosing the right photos, the right words and the right targets. All of it is carefully studied to guarantee the best results.

Since signs and red flags can change, the smartest thing to do is not to rely on the presence of a specific sign but to investigate and verify anyone you meet online from (or currently in) one of these Eastern European countries. That is why hiring a professional local investigator in Russia is key to being safe. A dating background check investigation in Russia (Ukraine, Belarus, Romania or the country where you need it) will save a lot of money and time, and give you clear evidence.  With clear evidence, you can make an informed decision, stay safe, and not waste time dealing with a fraud.

Scammers move from one dating website to another, from one social network to another, and use thousands of different ways to reach their targets. Even the most “harmless” and unexpected places can be opportunities for fraud, such as online games like Words with Friends. The important thing is to keep your eyes open, to be aware of the risks and to contact a professional that can verify the identity and claims of the person you have met before taking any steps further.

Contact us for a free quote, and avoid being unpleasantly surprised by a scammer!

C. Wright
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