Need help with a Russian bride?

Question

I have been talking to a Russian woman for almost a year now online. I know about the scams out there but this girl seems very honest and hasn't asked me for any money. I am considering paying for her flight to the States and possible marriage. Can anyone tell me how I can have her background verified? I looked on the internet for investigators in Russia but couldn't find anything in english.. Thanks!

Answer 1

I would say you're on the right track by talking to her for a year and not having sent any money. This says a lot about her credibility, but definitely doesn't mean she's not a scammer or a gold digger. Given the situation in Russia, there is plenty reason to be careful and to do your homework. First, I suggest reading about the scams so you're familiar with the warning signs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romance_scam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_fee_fraud
http://wymoo.com/resources.html

Someone mentioned this already but I strongly agree. Check out the U.S. Embassy's information and warnings on their website. This will help prevent you from being a victim and give you a good idea of the problem over there.

http://www.usembassy.ru/consular/acs.php?record_id=datingscam

Also stated before, if you don't mind traveling, it would be great if you could go to Russia and see for yourself her home, her family, etc. Do it the old fashioned way. Lastly, if you don't see any major reasons to call it off at that point, and she seems like a decent girl, get a background check. Wymoo offers a confidential service and has offices in St. Petersburg and Moscow I think. Good luck!!

http://wymoo.com/index.html

Answer 2

The US Embassy in Moscow gets literally thousand of calls per year from unsuspected Americans who were scammed by fake visas and requests for money for airline, visa & travel costs. Considering the average Russian makes less then $200 US per month, a $1,500 wire transfer is a years salary to most and the money entices a few unscrupulous individials into scam rings.

There are a few agencies out there that claim to offer validation assistance, but they are not licensed, offer no liablilty protection and some may be complicite in scams...

Another option would be for you to visit her first in her home country and feel out the situation. Otherwise be prepared to loose whatever you send her, worst case. FAQ see the website from the US embassy:

Answer 3

If you want to do a background check on her, go to www.elenasmodels.com. She claims to be a former russian bride and has lots of links about scam detection.

There is a link there for finding a russian private investigator.

If you have questions about her motives, fly to russia to see her or offer to buy the ticket for her. Don't give her the money. If you buy the ticket, she changes her mind, you can get a refund.

Answer 4

What do you mean by "her background verified"? If you like her you like her, if you don't - you don't. Just one detail...
Im russian. Ive spoken to russian women online many times, and had different stories...its amazing how many it its of them, and how available they are. I ve heard the same thing from people who go to russia for vacation...so there s nothing surpising about that.
On the other hand, these women often times see international marriages as the only way out of the "whole" that this country rep-s for some people s o ...Im not saying it as another "fact", just as a part of communication. They like Americans.

Answer 5

Well, I am from a similar country, Bulgaria.Why do you all people on west have a such opinion for the people from Eastern Europe or Russia?!What about she is really nice person,as mostly people there are?!But must be real girl!
You have to ask her about her address and send her first a post card.To see if this address is real.Then also you need to talk on the phone with her.
People in Eastern Europe are better and not selfish.And if she asks you for money do not worry so much, she really needs them for the spences to go there to you.
Why you not visit her first?To see her personally.
You are asking strangers for advice and their opinion.Why do you put question of your life to other people who do not know even your girlfriemd?! They can give you the formal wrong opinion.You have to see with your eyes,do decide with your mind and to feel with your heart.
I am so angry now because so many people pushing their nose in the business of other people and giving wrong advices.If you don't know that person do not say anything and shut up!!!

Answer 6

Russia can be very beautiful in the summer, you need a road trip. If thing do not go like you want, well there is a lot more fish over there that would love to move over here, to our wonderful America.

Answer 7

Dear friend.
I speak a little russian myself..I had russian freinds and I HA DBEIN INVOLVED IN THIS SITUATION OF THE INTERNET DATING
The best you can do is..Go to Russia a meet her..Then you perhaps will meet thousands of women who want to marry americans or canadians like myself to get out of the country..To marry for getting a visa is very touchy..You go and meet her.Maybe worth it..

Matt

Answer 8

there is a detective agency based in russia with some of the worst scammers listed --- its in english as well --- i just did a google search for russian bride scams i think and it came up --- they will check for you --- perhaps you should go to her --- it would be fun --- thats what i am planning to do with my lady --- have fun

Answer 9

Best thing I can tell you is to higher a prvate investigator here that can find info overseas.

Answer 10

I agree with the first lady, you go there. Then you aren't participating in anything that will get you in trouble with US Law (what if she stays in the US but not with you, you brought her in)