Using the term mail order bride in the twenty first century seems a little odd, but the truth is that although times have changed, private investigators in Russia say there are still a lot of similarities in the way online relationships in this country develop. The history behind the term goes as far back as the time of the first American settlers. The settlers, most of whom were men, could not find suitable women to marry and had to write letters to Europe asking women to become their wives. In those days, arranged marriages were common, and marrying somebody you barely knew was nothing out of the ordinary. Online dating still resembles a little bit this old time custom.

Long distance and online relationships are very common nowadays. Today, 15% of U.S. adults report they have used online dating sites or mobile dating apps to find love. People today more than ever like meeting other people who they never expected to relate with, either because the geographical distance that separates them, or because they are not the kind of people they would meet in their regular social circles. And further from this, most people who get engaged in online dating love the fact that there is no need to even leave their home in order to have a relationship. But although it’s great to find someone with a different culture background and a fresh new perspective of life, there are big differences -for example in age or in socio-economic status- that can be daunting, and these can represent important risk factors when it comes to marriage scams.

Special attention is needed when the relationship involves women from Russia or the former Soviet Union countries, like Ukraine or Romania. Investigators in Russia and the Eastern European countries are alerting men about the increased risks in internet based relationships. Russian dating and marriage scams are not a game anymore. Victims could be seriously damaged not only financially but in other aspects in life, like their emotional stability, work relationships and in the worst case scenarios they may even have trouble with law enforcement due to being involved in illegal activities without even noticing.

The increasing amount of foreign men looking to find Russian wives has made mail order brides and matchmaking websites thrive, and with them many people have fallen victim to scams. When seeking love in Russia you not only need to consider your personal safety, but also ways to protect your financial security.  Traveling to see someone that does not exist, or marrying someone who only wants a green card or your money is a devastating and life changing experience.

To be safe, professional investigators recommend a comprehensive dating background check. Local Russian investigators can help by filling in the blanks and providing the information necessary to have peace of mind and to make an informed decision.

Do not put your safety at risk! Contact us and get your online partner verified.

C. Wright
© 2016 Russia PI™

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