Don't allow yourself to be scammed. There are many dishonest people in the world who are willing to take money from you. It is your responsibility to protect your money and your heart. There are those who think the best way to "break the bank" is to "break your heart". As the old saying says, "Love is blind." Even somebody trying to find love can be a little blind.

SPECIAL WARNING: Foreign profiles are more likely to be scams. You need to be extra careful with the person. NEVER send money or any other support to anybody until you know the person well!

Here are some things to consider when corresponding with a person you don't know very well. Some of the items in the list may not necessarily mean that a person cannot be trusted, but you should definitely consider the possibility that you may be corresponding with a scammer if several of these conditions are present.

* SHE AND YOU ARE A BIG MISMATCH. Age, race, and appearance do matter to most people no matter what anybody says. However, differences may be less significant than in western countries, such as the United States. Still, it may be suspicious if your ages are more than 15 years apart. It may also be suspicious if they look like a model and you definitely do not.

* LIVES BEYOND HER MEANS. Salaries in Russia, Ukraine, and other eastern countries are much lower than in the United States, Britain, or similar western countries with high standards of living. Most Russian people do not have the means to afford personal computers and other expensive luxury items such as internet access, foreign travel, frequent studio photo sittings, overseas phone calls, etc.

* ASKS FOR MONEY or TALKS ABOUT FINANCIAL PROBLEMS. Most Russian people are very proud and wouldn't consider this behaviour acceptable. It may be suspicious if they ask for money for any reason before they have actually met you. Some specific examples of false money needs might be: correspondence costs, visa and/or travel expenses (it's very difficult for them to get a visa just to visit), living expenses, education, illness, hospitalization, surgery, accident or debt. Be very suspicious if she wants you to send her money as soon as possible, or if she is ungrateful that you sent a smaller amount of money. It is definitely a bad sign if she wants you to send money in somebody else's name.

* WRITES INSINCERE, EVASIVE, OR SUSPICIOUS LETTERS. If a person writes letters that are too affectionate or too sexy early in your relationship... If they aren't very curious about you... If they don't answer your questions, even if you asked more than once... If letters aren't personalized, or could have been intended for anyone... If they won't give you their phone number or address... If they often repeat details or questions from past letters... Her photos all look like they were taken in a studio, or she can't provide simple snapshots from around her home or with friends, etc. These are all things that should raise suspicions.

The best advice is very simple. NEVER SEND MONEY TO PEOPLE YOU HAVEN'T MET!

Copyright 2005, Richard Coleman