Ever heard of this bank or address scam? - Russian Ukrainian Belarus Travel Music Woman Dating News

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Ever heard of this bank or address scam?
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Posted by: Sting

I have been e-mailing a "Russian women?" for over two months now. She has asked for money a few times for a visa, extra money for round trip ticket for herself to come to the USA. I have never sent her any money at all. She recently sent an e-mail saying she would "never" ask me for money again. But now suddenly she has a friend who has an uncle who supposedly lives in Iraq who wants to give her money to come to the USA. According to this "Russian women?", the Iraq money must be sent to me. Below is part of the letter she sent. Of course, I will not give her my bank account number, but what is the deal with the check coming in my mail and then I cash it and give send the money back to her in Russia? Please help me to understand, I have spent time reading about scams and have not come across this type.
Here is the part of the her letter that concerns me:

P.S. You wish to see me? If you agree to help me,
eceive money
from the uncle of friend, and cease to me them
back then I will
need to know from you some information.
There are 2 variants to help me-
1 - you can give your bank account. Then I need
to know the name
of the account and number of the account. The
uncle of friend will
send money for your account. You receive money
and will send me
them back.
2 - if you cannot give number of the account.
Then I need to know
your exact address, full name and phone. The
uncle of friend will
send you on a home address the check. You need to
receive it, to
receive from the check of money, and to send me
them back through
the western union on my name.
Understand, it cannot send it through the western
union on my name.
Because works in Iraq. There there are no Western
Unions. There
there is a war. But it can send money through the
account or the
check. In Russia I cannot receive money from the
check because
checks here do not operate. I have no bank
account. It very dearly
here to open the account. Therefore I ask your
help.
I shall wait your answer.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This is Sting again, I would appreciate any type of assistance in this matter.
Thanks!! I am also concerned about HOMELAND SECURITY since she mentions IRAQ. Am I paranoid or what?

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sting

This is Sting again, I would appreciate any type of assistance in this matter. Thanks!! I am also concerned about HOMELAND SECURITY since she mentions IRAQ. Am I paranoid or what?

No you're not paranoid. She is a scam, don't waste anymore time with her. A real Russian Woman (RW) would not ask for money and she has. She may not even be a RW. It sounds more like someone is trying to steal your identity.

Posted by: Cheburashka

If you give her your bank account number you will be missing money with lightning speed. The Nigerians perfected this scam. The Russians are trying to get as good with it.

Be very careful.

Posted by: Ade

Hi,

As others say, it's a scam, and quite a careless one...even a cursory search finds Western Union in Iraq. Don't give this woman any details or info...close the door, and move on.

Good luck,

Ade

Posted by: Chrismc

Sting

I only read the first few lines of your post that is enough!! run for the hills and start looking elsewhere, as Cheb said, the Nigerians are world leaders at this type of scam, and the Singaporeans a close second.....I deal with both of them every day through work, out of every 100 that contact me only 1 or 2 are legit. Looks like the Russians have cottoned on via Iraq now!!

Don't worry you found out quickly there are thousands of really great legitimate women out there somewhere!!

Chris

Posted by: shaun1000

Ask yourself "why would someone you have not met want to send you money" Answer "SCAM".

Posted by: Revan

There is a common scam where you get sent a money order, you go to your bank and deposit it, and you then wire the scammer the money. A few days later the bank calls and tells you that the money order you deposited was fake and demands you pay back the money. You are fully liable and the wired money is gone.

This is an obvious scam. Do not even THINK of giving this person any more of your information.

As someone mentioned this is an infamous Nigerian scam. Evidently the Russians are trying to pick up on this scam. It could even be a Nigerian man pretending to be a pretty Russian girl.

I know it is tough to let go once a scammer gets under your skin but you need to let go of this one. Walk away.

Posted by: Samurai_Bob

I have seen the same scammers on ebay and many get taken by them.

The check or money order takes several days to process internationally and be determined a fraud.

by then the scammer hopes you have already wired the money to them before you discover the trap.

The end result is a negative balance in your pocket and no recourse to recover the funds.

Yep, a scam and not as clever as most of them are.

Posted by: ham

110 scam

it's good old 419 Nigeria scam scheme.

Ask yourself why would anyone need help at the other end of the world ( someone over the internet, by the way ) to collect billions left by deceased dictators, overthrown vizirs, and oil kingpins chased by religious zealots.
why would they trust this stranger over the internet with millions?

Posted by: waiting123

the reason for the check going to you, is so when you deposit it, the bank imprints your account information on the check. The person then can get your account information off the cashed check.

It is a bad scam... you will have 0$ in your account if you cash this check. I would cease all communication with this person, but also as it was mentioned above it takes days to clear an international check, usually 7 - 10 days. so you wire the money and then get to cover the bounced check fund.

Also consider most third world countries do not have "checks" this is a western developement. Tell her if she wants to send an official bank check you will cash it all day long, 10$ says they cant get one.

Posted by: GREGK

This scam is so common that law enforcement agencies don't even try to investigate anymore. Some of the "money orders" or "cashier's checks" that they manufacture look legit but are counterfeit. They usually send them Federal Express instead of U.S. Mail. Stop all contact with these people immediately!

Posted by: Sting

I really appreciate your input. The fact about there being Western Unions in Iraq was great! My problem is that the first month this Russian Women wrote me, she asked for my address so she could send me a "suprise" in the regular mail. Like a fool I gave it to her, and of course after more than another month and a half, nothing ever arrived as a suprise in my regular mail.
I used to work in the prison system as a counselor, I am very leary about scams, but of course a beautiful women writes a recently divorced person like me, and my emotions get entangled. Anyway, I know I could block her email, but I also do not want her to ever write me at home since she has my address, and like a fool she has my phone number from a while back when she needed to arrange a plane trip. But of course she never made the plane trip because according to her, customs in Russsia wanted $150 to let her pass through. I never gave her money. So, below is a final letter I sent her today, hoping to get her off my back for good. What do yo think?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I have spoken with a lawyer (an attorney) about what you have requested I do for you about a check from the uncle of your friend. He said the only way I should cash a check is by an official bank check from the uncle. That is the only kind those "cash and go" places will cash. And there also is a several day waiting period while the check clears to receive the money.

The lawyer also had me contact the local police about your request. The local police got me in contact with the regional FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations), who then contacted the Department of Homeland Security. So, when you hear from them, they are just investigating the legality of what you are asking me to do. They also will be handling the check when it comes to my address. I am to call them the day it comes and give it to them. This is to let you know that until the check is approved by the FBI and Homeland Secuirty, I will be unable to be in control of it.
* * * * * * * * * * *

Posted by: GoingToRussia

I think she will choke on her/his "borsht"!!! I don't think you will hear from her again.

Posted by: Chrismc

Sting

You are being totally paranoid here, just move on. I don't know why you have sent the letter you have, she will not know who the FBI are and if she did she would not care anyway, they cannot do anything to her!!

She may have your address and phone number, but what can she do with it?? don't waste anymore time on her!

Start looking on some legit sites and look forward to finding a loving RW rather than wasting your time with scammers.

Chris

Posted by: Cheburashka

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Start looking on some legit sites and look forward to finding a loving RW rather than wasting your time with scammers.

Chris

I'll never understand why so many men here want to either teach scammers a lesson, or try to beat tham at their own game. I guess some people are just bored.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Come on Cheb he's a newbie ... ease up on him ... cut him some slack. He will learn as we all did.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheburashka

I'll never understand why so many men here want to either teach scammers a lesson, or try to beat tham at their own game. I guess some people are just bored.

I agree Cheb......they must have too much time on their hands!!........if they saved some of that wasted energy they spend on chasing after scammers trying to teach them a lesson, they would be better advised putting it to more useful endeavours!

When are they going to learn there is just no point in any of it!

Posted by: Samurai_Bob

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheburashka

I'll never understand why so many men here want to either teach scammers a lesson, or try to beat tham at their own game. I guess some people are just bored.

Yes, the scammer will just move on to the next sucker and will not remember your name in a month.

The letter is overkill and not needed.

Posted by: Sting

I come here for help and then some of you lash out at me by saying I must be bored and should spend my enery some where else. Do you not understand? I became very vulnerable with this "Russian Women" and now that I have finally come to my senses, I have the normal response of feeling betrayed. I was a psychotherapist counselor for years, and even before I got my training, I would not have replied to people asking for help by telling them they were bored or spent too much energy worrying. I left being a psychotherapist after 15 years because I felt burned out. Perhaps that is what is happening to some of you, you have heard it all and now treat all people the same. What ever happened to empathy for your fellow human? I see the awards and years of experience you people have, and they seem to just portray a lack of compassion, not expertise. You tell me to move on with my life and your attitude makes me wonder why I asked for help in the first place. I must admit, though, some of you gave very good adivce, but as we know a few negatives destroy all the positives.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

I know how you feel Sting. When I first posted my relationship I caught a lot of slack. It was about a 50%/50% split that my Russian Woman (RW) was a scam. We will be married in about 4 weeks. Hang in there and they will come around. Most of the people are good guys, the others you can just ignore. I'm always available if you need some help. I also know a few people that would help you out if I can't. Don't give up because finding a RW is like finding a GOLD MINE!!! Keep trying and good luck.

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

I know how you feel Sting. When I first posted my relationship I caught a lot of slack. It was about a 50%/50% split that my Russian Woman (RW) was a scam. We will be married in about 4 weeks. Hang in there and they will come around. Most of the people are good guys, the others you can just ignore. I'm always available if you need some help. I also know a few people that would help you out if I can't. Don't give up because finding a RW is like finding a GOLD MINE!!! Keep trying and good luck.

Yes Sting do as GTR says...don't let us old cynics put you off he he

it is just that the scammer question must have been asked thousands of times on here and the answers are always the same!!

GTR is right, finding a good women is like finding the treasure at the end of the rainbow...only the lucky ones find it!! He was one of them!!

Chris

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismc

Yes Sting do as GTR says...don't let us old cynics put you off he he

Chris

Thanks Chrismc ... he is one of the good guys Sting. Also remember that the road to a RW is very emotional and people get mad, sad, and need to vent. Some give up and fight a good fight. I was very lucky. The first RW I met I am going to mary. I talked to quite a few before I decided she was the one. It isn't a fast process if it's done right. I talked with my first Russian woman about a year ago. Fight the good fight Dude.

Posted by: Samurai_Bob

I hope I did not seem negative; scams are a common topic and perhaps the answers on first look appear cold.

If your situation is a scam, as most here believe, I only wanted to say that the person approaching you will move on, and you should have nothing to fear.

Good luck sir, the RMP is full of success stories to see that yours may be next.

Posted by: Sting

I thank you for your reply to my little bit of an outburst of defending myself. GTR said it all when he said you get mad, sad, and glad in a relationship. The worst one though is: to finally realize you have been scammed when you have been denying it to yourself. Alll your friends tell you to be careful, you even tell your parents about the Russian Women, and they do not believe. Perhaps I needed the cold, hard information from you "cynics" to wake me up. I kept believing in this Russian women no matter what, and now I do not. I realize that not all Russian women are scammers, but I feel I shall go back to looking in my own area again. Hec, I just got a new job and who know, I might meet someone there. Thanks again!

Sting

Posted by: Chrismc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sting

I thank you for your reply to my little bit of an outburst of defending myself. GTR said it all when he said you get mad, sad, and glad in a relationship. The worst one though is: to finally realize you have been scammed when you have been denying it to yourself. Alll your friends tell you to be careful, you even tell your parents about the Russian Women, and they do not believe. Perhaps I needed the cold, hard information from you "cynics" to wake me up. I kept believing in this Russian women no matter what, and now I do not. I realize that not all Russian women are scammers, but I feel I shall go back to looking in my own area again. Hec, I just got a new job and who know, I might meet someone there. Thanks again!

Sting

Sting....don't let this put you off, you found out early so no harm is done, much better than learning the hard and expensive way!! There are lots of guys and girls on here who will keep you on the right track, just keep asking if you have any questions.

As they say...the only silly question is the one never asked!!

Chris

Posted by: Samurai_Bob

There are good agencies you can learn about in this website, and there are personals here that you can review and see who is available here.

One should look near and far for the best odds of finding the "one".

Posted by: Cheburashka

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sting

I come here for help and then some of you lash out at me by saying I must be bored and should spend my enery some where else.

Sting Old Buddy..I hate to tell you this but I wasn't even talking about you. I was talking to Chris. I can't read anywhere in your post where you are trying to teach your scammer a lesson. Did I miss something? It sounds to me like you were covering your own butt, and not taking offensive action. What am I missing here? We have lots of gents here who spam their scammers, write humorous emails, sent people to their houses, and do all kinds of things to try to get a "scammer to repent". If I was talking to you I would have said something like "Sting, you're wasting your time"...which is what I will gladly say to your attorney if he ever asks me.

But if it will make you feel better to make me the bad guy, I can handle that. Your posts ain't nothing. You should see what the Aussie are doing to me on another thread.

Good luck to you Sting. I won't comment on your threads anymore. We Texans are a straight shooting bunch and sometimes hard to take until you get to know us.

Posted by: ham

i think alerting the FBI was going 110%, but i read FBI has a division dealing with 419-Nigeria kind of scams. And this is a Nigeria kind of fraud, not a MOB kind of fraud. Given that it is reported millions are lost yearly to 419 kid of frauds AND there are even many missing men or casualties to date ( EG the person who dared to visit Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Algeria or wherever the scam was orchestrated from, to claim his due back ), i think alerting the FBI does no harm. Probably, if most did so, not so many 419 frauds could be pulled so easily.

Then again, i got a spam message claiming i had won 1 million & had to supply my bank & address coordinates to receive it. Guess what, i just deleted it.
Also, never hand out your real address or phone #...hire a PO box, a maildrop and buy a throw-away cellphone.

Posted by: GREGK

I have been told that that the FBI/ Feds can't/won't do much #1 because it's Nigeria and investigations there are a waste of time #2 because the dollar amount loss isn't usually six figures or more and they won't bother with less. Don't hold your breath waiting for them to do anything if you report something like this.

Posted by: firemansam

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sting

Nah Mate, you got it all wrong, Da Nile is in Egypt!!!
Denial is when you choose not to learn from your mistakes and press on regardless.... Or maybe in your case, turn Osterich (SP?)
No need to give up! Not if YOU are serious.. Just be aware of Da Nile and its swampy marshes.. then you won't get caught in the quicksands of scammers..
You never know what is around the corner!
My 2 bob (No punn intended Bob!)
Sam.

Posted by: firemansam

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sting

I come here for help and then some of you lash out at me by saying I must be bored and should spend my enery some where else. Do you not understand? I became very vulnerable with this "Russian Women" and now that I have finally come to my senses, I have the normal response of feeling betrayed. I was a psychotherapist counselor for years, and even before I got my training, I would not have replied to people asking for help by telling them they were bored or spent too much energy worrying. I left being a psychotherapist after 15 years because I felt burned out. Perhaps that is what is happening to some of you, you have heard it all and now treat all people the same. What ever happened to empathy for your fellow human? I see the awards and years of experience you people have, and they seem to just portray a lack of compassion, not expertise. You tell me to move on with my life and your attitude makes me wonder why I asked for help in the first place. I must admit, though, some of you gave very good adivce, but as we know a few negatives destroy all the positives.

I think Sting that some of the problems are that so many of us have seen Scammers for so long, to see something as obvious as yours becomes so blatant...
Mate, the people here do not mean to upset you.. You will find so much info through these people. Forgive them their zealuosness (sp? (word??) They mean you no harm, truelly.. You will come to learn that there are good women out there. Many of us started life with a dud!!

Be safe and careful of thy wallet,
Sam.