Online dating has made worldwide connections possible, but this comes with even higher risks than dating someone local. The anonymity of the Internet means the U.S. citizen doesn’t truly know the real name, age, marital status or gender of the person on the other side of the computer screen. Russian private investigators say this is especially true when it comes to romance with people from Russia.

If you are on a on a dating site keep an eye out for suspicious people.  Learn to identify scams and fake profiles and avoid them. Educate yourself with these Russian romance scams:

1. The Russian bride. This common scam occurs when a person claims to be a female in love with her Internet acquaintance – she then claims she needs to travel to meet this Mr. Right.  Issues with funding for travel arise, and she pretends to reluctantly ask the gentlemen to help with costs for her plane tickets and visa.  The Russian bride then pretends to plan the trip, but the trip has several delays.  She continues to have problems such as getting robbed or other expenses and continues to seek out cash from the gentlemen.  This scam seems to happen more often that you would think.
2. The promise of inheritance – but only after marriage.  The scammer claims that he will inherit millions of dollars of gold left by a relative – but not until she is married.  She will claim that marriage is a requirement of the will.  The victim believes that the scammer is sincere and needs money to bring the scammer to his country.  The victim sends money for the flight, yet the scammer never shows up with excuses such as an ill family member or that a visa was unable to be obtained.

While you may want to believe everything on the Internet, don’t.  Even Facebook has an estimated 83 million fake profiles.  Keep that in mind before you go send money to Russia. Know the warning signs!

Consider these clues that you may be in contact with a scam artist.

1. Misrepresentation of the costs and requirements of a U.S. visa
2. Claim they must buy airline tickets in Russia
3. Sudden financial problems with leaving Russia
4. Requests to send money in a very specific manner
5. Use of photos that look fake or like a model
6. Requests for money to pay bills, such as the Internet, to continue communication
7. Correspondents who quickly move to talk of intimate matters

Online scams continue to grow and the majority of scamming cases go unsolved.  Americans – often times seniors who try online dating sites — report the loss of thousands of dollars and the money is nearly never recovered as the artists work from cafes or other WiFi spots and are mobile.  Today’s scammers are bolder than ever and are so experienced that it is difficult for the police and FBI to keep up.  Use caution when in Internet relationships and be weary of immediate proclaims of love.

To minimize your risk, get a complete Russian background check to discreetly verify the individual you’re communicating with.  Investigators can deliver evidence you need to make an informed decision, and prevent you from being a victim of romance fraud.  Be safe, and be informed.

C. Wright
© 2014 Russia PI™

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