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US dollars in Russia
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Posted by: tuberatking

I am corresponding with a REAL lady in Zvenigovo. I have discovered she makes the equivelent of about $120 US a month. I sent her $60 US Western Union a couple of weeks ago for her birthday and to cover the internet cafe expense. My question: Will the $60 spend pretty much like two weeks pay for her or do they get ripped-off when they spend US dollars? Can she exchange the US for Roubles (sp) for the legitimate rate at a bank? Thanks for any help! Brendan

Posted by: GoeastLJ

You get the best rates for USD, Euro, GBP if you change these within Russia or Ukraine. No hidden fees and the exchange rates are better than you would get anywhere else - IMHO. The ladies there shop around and they know where to get the best value. And there are so many 'banks'.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Don't worry about RW and money. They can get blood out a stone.

Western Union is very expensive. It probably cost more then $60 to send $60! When you know she is the one for you, get a debit card. No fees and you can transfer as much as she needs or you want to give her.

Gook luck and happy landings!

Posted by: tuberatking

Thanks guys! GTR, I have a checking account with a debit mastercard, or are you talking about something else. Would you be so kind as to describe the debit transfer elements for me as I intend to send her money each month. I am assuming I would need her account info. You are right, the Western union transfer was just under $20. That money would have more "legs" on the ground in Russia! Feel free to email me if you wish. Brendan

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuberatking

Thanks guys! GTR, I have a checking account with a debit mastercard, or are you talking about something else. Would you be so kind as to describe the debit transfer elements for me as I intend to send her money each month. I am assuming I would need her account info. You are right, the Western union transfer was just under $20. That money would have more "legs" on the ground in Russia! Feel free to email me if you wish. Brendan

A master debit card will work. Just FedEx it to her and get one for yourself or get one for her. Just be sure she's on the up and up before you do this. There is a risk with doing this. Yes you can cancel her card if something goes wrog but it is a risk.

I notice RW prefer a Visa card ... I wonder if it is because of the name!

Good luck Tube Rat King!

Posted by: EasyTarget

Brendan:
I would offer a word of caution here about sending money to someone you haven't met before. There are some unscrupulous people who take advantage of you.

However I agree with GTR about using a pre-paid card
http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/.../visa_buxx.html

is one such example. This way there is a pre-determined amount on the card and there is no way to go over the limit; etc...

Posted by: Texas Proud

Tuber...

You don't give much detail except a REAL woman.... have you met her?? Have you met her more than once?? Have you agreed to get married?

If you answered NO to any of these, don't send money....

Also, if you do decide to do so, open up an account with Bank of the Internet.. they have a regular ATM card and they will reimburse you for ATM charges which of course you will get... do not send a check card such as VISA.... also, she will not have access to your regular bank account and possible take money and have your checks bounce...

Posted by: AkMike

What Texas Proud said is fact!
Beware about giving money. She'd have appreciated roses alot more than long green if it came from someone she was interested in.

Posted by: tuberatking

We have been corresponding only about a month. I have been very slow to abandon my suspicions of her authenticity. I've concluded that she is REAL, meaning not a scammer profile for a couple of reasons. She has sent me what I would consider to be somewhat unflattering photos, she has just GRILLED ME on my beliefs on marriage, she has asked for nothing except that I come to Russia to meet her and her mum.

On the flip side, while I've got your attention, she says she has only been searching the internet for a about three months but she has ALOT of photos. I don't know if Russian girls just like dressing up in the woods and taking pictures or she's been at this awhile. Her emails are time stamped all over the board, around the clock. (?) She has given me her address but says she has no phone and intends to call me next week. We are talking about the possibility of marriage. A trip may be in order.

Of course, I have told her I WILL NOT call her back if we're cut off, without a calling card and that I WILL NOT give the operator a credit card number.

I'm not comfortable giving a debit card to this lady yet, so no go. I have lived with girls who I denied access to my accounts. I am also smart enough to bail if I am suddenly asked for a large sum of money.

Some of you won't like this, but I'm going to send this lady $40 a month out of the box. I spend almost that on lunch some days. If I find that she is insincere, I'll walk away. I have lost money in more useless ways than this. Even if she is not as she appears, she is still a lady with bills to pay and the truth will reveal itself. My ego will not be bruised. Fear, doubt and suspicion have ruled much of my life. It's time I lived more courageously, open heart and open eyes!

The feedback is greatly appreciated! Any more? Brendan

Posted by: tuberatking

I forgot to mention that Western Union here told me all she needed to pickup the payout was ID and the transfer number when she actually needed more info about the transfer. It took her three tries to ask me for the correct info for the pickup. I figure a scammer would know that drill by heart. dunno, we'll see. B

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Yes a debit card after only 1 month is a bit soon, wise decision. Sending $40 month is ok, she will need it for sending e-mails from an Internet cafe.

Everything sounds like the up and up except for the phone. Everyone I know in the FSU has a phone or they know someone that has a phone, liken a neighbor or a relative. I would get a phone card and ask her for a number to call so you can hear he voice.

Good luck!

Posted by: EasyTarget

I would not read too much in to having lots of photos of herself, maybe she owns a digital camera and just likes taking photos.

I think in regards to sending money, several people have been through this experience and want you to learn from their mistakes. I am not against it just proceed with caution.

I don't know what the scenario with the phone is, I am guessing that she doesn't own a mobile. She is going to call you? Is she using a friends mobile? If you are going to call her I would suggest www.enjoyprepaid.com for getting cheap phone cards. You can get it online. After you buy the card they call you back to make sure you placed the order. Super simple to use and very handy.

Posted by: tuberatking

She said she used to have a mobile but sold it cause the service was too expensive (hint, hint) and that she was going to call from the post office. I thought maybe her family is discouraging her new overseas relations. Just a guess. Sometimes that's all you have!

She sure talks alot about honesty, faithfulness and devotion. If she's a liar, she's nothing short of the Devil's own daughter. Time will tell and I'm pretty sure a phone conversation will be very revealing.

Posted by: GoeastLJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuberatking

Some of you won't like this, but I'm going to send this lady $40 a month out of the box. I spend almost that on lunch some days. If I find that she is insincere, I'll walk away. I have lost money in more useless ways than this. Even if she is not as she appears, she is still a lady with bills to pay and the truth will reveal itself. My ego will not be bruised. Fear, doubt and suspicion have ruled much of my life. It's time I lived more courageously, open heart and open eyes!

The feedback is greatly appreciated! Any more? Brendan

You will find that even those that run the dating agency businesses will advise against sending money to a lady before meeting her. There are many reasons why this is not advisable. Among other reasons, money may distort your or her real feelings when you meet.

Sending presents is much more appreciated. Some women want to show you that it is you they want rather than your money, although they want to see some evidence of your ability to support the family.

A month is a long time in a relationship, but it would be better for you to complement your email communication with a phone conversation. As GTR says, most women will have access to a phone and they would want to hear your voice and vice versa.

However, you know the situation better and I wish you all the best.

Posted by: Manchester

She has a phone - fact! She probably has a more expensive one than you! If not she has a parent/friend/job/school etc that does have a phone. She can be called if she wants and indeed if she is a she.

You have never spoke on the phone, all you have is a pen friend you are sending money to. The calling you gag is exactly that, a gag! If this is Fat Yuri, of course he will get some bint to call you, you are now sending money! He hopes you will send more.

Send no money until you have physically met her and are able to contact her ad hoc.

If you want to send something, send her a $20 used cell phone and a $5 bill for a SIM card. Then you can SMS her.

Internet cafes are not expensive, she can afford that I am sure, anyway, you have just sent her 2 weeks salary so pro rata that is like someone giving you maybe $2000 isnt it?

Maybe she is real, but abandon this idea you should pay for anything after only a month corresponding with your new pen friend.

My wife said that if you want to send her $60, she will call you too.

Posted by: tuberatking

I'm finding the input both both comforting and disturbing. To be honest, one day I'm sure she's a hopeful young heart and the next I'm thinking she's Fat Yuri. Clearly I'm not sure what to do, so for now I will do nothing. I will wait and see before sending more money.

I at first was going to send a gift but it seemed so expensive and restrictive to ship anything to Russia, I just opted for the cash solution so she could use it how it would best fit. Grandma does that sometimes cause she don't know what to buy for little Billy. That's a whole other discussion, how to send what to Russia.

I heard somewhere that internet cafes cost about $1 US/hour. That's expensive if you only make $120. especially if it takes you two hours to pen a letter with a dictionary in your hand. (unquote). ?? That would be like me spending $40 every two days to send a letter. Have I been misinformed?

I'm not trying to buy this girl, but I have never had a friend in need that I didn't shore up. How is this any different, if she's indeed a friend. From the beginning of time men have served as provider to their women, yes, she may not be a woman and yes, I've only known her one month.........

I just read my own words, I better stop now! I think I need a drink.

Posted by: AkMike

The Top 10 Rules for Internet Relationships.

1.Never send money to someone you have never met.

2.Always have a back-up plan

3.Work to eliminate any agency from your communications.

4.Always get the lady's home address and home phone number as early as possible.

5.Verify the ladies you are writing to are real.

6.Do not fall in love with photos!!

7.Always be yourself. Show the ladies the real you. Be truthful. Use current photos.

8.Do not rush into this! Take your time and be methodical, not impulsive, about this process.

9.Treat international dating the same as dating someone from your home country. The biggest difference is the cost (travel, phone. etc). This is an expensive process. Don't believe anyone that tells you otherwise.

10.THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A MAIL-ORDER BRIDE! They do not exist.

Posted by: EasyTarget

Brendan:
This is the benefit and the problem with the internet you will hear so many different and varied opinions you are not sure what to believe.

I would say that there must be a friends mobile phone she can use. If you schedule the time in advance, arrangements can be made. Although she may not have that many trusted friends, and maybe she hasn't told any of them yet.

Push a little harder on the phone solution, and you will get you answer.

Wishing you good luck.

Posted by: GoeastLJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuberatking

I'm not trying to buy this girl, but I have never had a friend in need that I didn't shore up. How is this any different, if she's indeed a friend. From the beginning of time men have served as provider to their women, yes, she may not be a woman and yes, I've only known her one month.........

I am glad you have decided to wait before helping this lady. You would be surprised what this would do to your morale and confidence in RWs if it turned out that you spent money on somebody that did not exist. How much the money is worth to you is immaterial. In fact, you could find yourself eventually spending more than the $40 dollars a month because a lady in need of $40 today is certain to want more very soon.

Posted by: tuberatking

I might be the dumbest guy here, do you give out a medal for that?! Turns out my sweet little Natusik is the infamous Natalia Serapionova. Finally showed up in a Google. Over the last few weeks I spent many hours searching scammer sites to be sure she was okay but I didn't do the Google search on her name. I googled her email address and nothing came up but the cats coming out of the bag all over Europe in the last few days. These guys are penning letters like I've never seen on scammer sites. The ones she sent me were far more detailed and personal than the stuff I have seen provided as examples, and I thought my ex was a liar. WOW!

So, these creeps got my name, address and phone and a few photos. Can anyone tell me if I am at risk because of this. Also a part of me wants to serve up some truth but it's not worth stiring up a hornets nest if I can get stung. Should I quietly fade?

Early on in our dialog, I eluded to the fact that I know of scammers and scamming and I think that in doing so, I showed my hand. So, they just started making statements that a scammer wouldn't possibly make. They changed the story so it would be believable. I would recommend to someone faced with the same conundrum to play dumb and at the first sign of scammagification, (new word)

,walk away.

Lastly, the curtain is pulled back an I'm invisible. Could this platform be useful to someone for study or "other"?

I have photos and letters and I guess I need to post to some scammer sites, right?

My heart is not broken, my ego is not bruised, but my faith in mankind has taken another blow and I'm a little lonlier than I was yesterday. Thanks for all the truth.

Posted by: AkMike

It's happened alot. Next time take those 10 rules and staple them to your forehead if you decide to send $$$ to a stranger named Hairy Ivan.Too bad you didn't google her a tad earlier, BUT it'll make you more prepared for the next one.
I do hope you find a real, good woman. They do exist! I was lucky enough to find and marry one.
Best Wishes in your search!

Posted by: EasyTarget

Brendan: Today you are wiser then yesterday -- only if you have learned a lesson. Don't beat yourself up about it. They are PROFESSIONALS and we are amateurs. Men 100's of times smarter then you have fallen victim.

HOWEVER, There are several people (some right on this forum) who have fallen victim and then fallen in love.

Don't give up just yet.

Posted by: GoeastLJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by EasyTarget

HOWEVER, There are several people (some right on this forum) who have fallen victim and then fallen in love.

Too true. For some men on this site, this answers the question 'Why did you start looking for an FSU woman?'. They get stung first and then get hooked by the beauty and the honesty of the genuine ones.

Posted by: stevo

Quote:

Originally Posted by EasyTarget

Men 100's of times smarter then you

Woah horsey!

Posted by: tuberatking

I'm not so fragile that an event like this will alter my self or my path, just makes me shake my head. These people trash on the best thing in life for a mere handful of cash. It's the 35 emails in 5 weeks that bother me the most and that I was rushing home to see if she wrote me some days.

I a little less green when it comes to internet relationships now I guess. So, since nobody has said anything I'm figuring these people just leave you alone when you wise up and stop. Guess I'll tell 'em bye-bye.

Posted by: joelunchbox

The first FSU lady I wrote long term(over six months!) turned out to be a good time girl/scammer. I even went to Kiev to meet her, had a wonderful week of her showing me the town and whatnot. Best vacation I had had up to that point. I had googled her every now and then up to the trip but about one month after my return, just as I was getting serious about a K1 visa--POOFF! Up popped her picture on a scammer site. I know all she got from me was a bunch of nice dinners! But, apparently, she had taken at least one guy for a big ride. I learned a lot about myself from her, Thank you Cathy!! haha What amazed me is why someone so smart and pretty would even have to think about scamming.... What a shame. Oh well, over three years later and I am now waiting for my first reply to my K1 visa for my fiance in Uzbekistan.
So, take some time, think about what you have learned and go from there..
Good luck, there are nice, honest people out there.

Posted by: GoeastLJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuberatking

So, since nobody has said anything I'm figuring these people just leave you alone when you wise up and stop. Guess I'll tell 'em bye-bye.

The scammer theme has been trashed elsewhere in this forum. As you say, it is not the money - it is the emotional investment and the fact that your life was beginning to be centred around this. All the plans you start making for a future with this girl... My first encounter was with a 25 year old doctor from Irkusk. Incedibly beautiful. I stayed up late one night when she asked me for some money - that was when I appreciated the value of google: how did we survive without it?

The experience by most of us is that you don't have to worry about your ids or anything. It is usually a clean break as they are more scared of you exposing them and thereby endangering their means of earning an income. Some guys have tried pursuing them to get some revenge, or have published their details on scammer sites, while others have enjoyed playing games with them (continuing sending humorous emails). No need to waste your time - the bad ones are outnumbered by a huge majority.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Sorry this happened Tuber but as I said, the "not having a telephone" gave it away.

I'm not sure about your age but I know 2 women that are honest and attractive women if you are interested. One is 40 and will or will not have children (from the Ukraine - no visa necessary), the other is 38 and wants a child (from Russia). If you are interested you (or anyone) can PM me.

Don't stop and keep looking. Try these sights to find your Russian Beauty:

www.elenasmodels.com
www.allsinglerussiangirls.com
www.freepersonals.ru

The first 2 you must buy a membership, the 3rd is a free site.

Good luck Tuber and don't let this get to you ... learn from life's experiences.

Posted by: Longfellow

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelunchbox

The first FSU lady I wrote long term(over six months!) turned out to be a good time girl/scammer.

I'm interested to hear this... I did not think that a scammer had the patience to drag it along for 6 months. I was also under the impression that scammers avoided personal contact (phone, meeting, etc.)
All the info I gather here regarding scammers and insincere women is valuable. It makes me continue to evaluate my relationship witj a RW. It is also making me a little jumpy... I think I see red-flags in the sunset!
Maybe I need to pay someone for 50-minute hours rather than forums... at least there, the couch is more comfortable!

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Scammers are not only after money/cash.

There are Good Time Girls (GTG). These girls meet you and they take you on a vacation where you buy them gifts. When your moey is gone or stop buying them gifts, they are gone or get angry with you.

Then there are Green Card Grabbers (GCG). These girls come to your country, marry you, get a green card, then they get a divorce. They have a green card so they can stay in our country. They usual take anything else they can get their hands on.

You don't really know what kind of woman you have until they "show your their cards". Sometimes it might feel like the lotto to you. You buy a ticket but you don't know if it is a winner ... you just have to wait. yes it is a chance but a chance I'm willing to take because there are more honest women out there then scammers.

This process is not for the squeemish but it is worth the risk so go for it!

Good luck with your adventures to the FSU if you decide to take this road.

Posted by: AkMike

GTR is right once again.
I told Tanya that I was thinking about moving to Ukraine and that we would live there and not in the US. She gave me the perfect answer... "Anywhere is fine as long as we are together."
The biggest problem is that too many guys get in a hurry and try their best to become a "one week wonder' and get all emotional after a brief meeting relying on emails to get to know someone. A real relationship takes ALOT of time and patience as everyone knows. Would you act this way with the gal down the street?
Long distance relationships can and do work. But it takes time together to get to know each other and then to decide if she is really the one that you can't imagine living without. It took me 4 trips and over 4 months together before I was sure.
I just happened to get lucky when I found such a wonderful woman.

Posted by: EasyTarget

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingToRussia

Sometimes it might feel like the lotto to you. You buy a ticket but you don't know if it is a winner ... you just have to wait.

Luckily for us the odds are significantly better then the lotto.

Like GTR said I think there are way more honest, great woman out there, then dishonest.

Now the hard part is finding the match.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by EasyTarget

Luckily for us the odds are significantly better then the lotto.

Like GTR said I think there are way more honest, great woman out there, then dishonest.

Now the hard part is finding the match.

... and the winning ticket!

Posted by: EasyTarget

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longfellow

Well if it is her "job" then she will do what it takes to make it work. There is one member on here that was totally taken by a girl who just wanted his wallet. too Bad he doesn't post here any more, other wise he could pipe in.

Most of the men or woman are corresponding with dozens of men. Because you need to throw a big net to get a fish.

By the by it isn't just women in the FSU that do this. I have seen how some women in the US will hang on a guy for the goodies.

There are unscrupulous people everywhere.

But I still think that there is an abundance of honest women out there; just need to go fishing.

Posted by: GoeastLJ

Another 2 kopeks:
Scammers are professionals and may have a portfolio of 'projects'. They are willing to put in as much time as necessary into 'projects' where the prospects are high. If they work on 50 projects for 12 months and each pays out USD500, they have USD25,000 for that year, all tax free - an annual salary not to be sniffed at in these neighbourhoods. Bear in mind that they can afford the time and the letters they write are standard anyway. One UK guy paid out USD32,000 in one year. Some men set up regular payments for their 'girlfriends'.

Posted by: tuberatking

I sent a brief letter of rebuke to my "girl" and she wrote back demanding an explanation and warning me that she will no longer write to me unless I apologize. There will be no explanation or apology.

I was shocked to hear back!

Do these crooks monitor websites like RMP to get a handle on the consensus of the target mind? Was just remembering the gulf war and the enemy watching american news broadcasts for intel.

Yikes!

Posted by: EasyTarget

Don't give it another thought. Now that you are wiser, it is time to go find that special gal. Good luck to ya mate.

Posted by: GoingToRussia

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuberatking

I sent a brief letter of rebuke to my "girl" and she wrote back demanding an explanation and warning me that she will no longer write to me unless I apologize. There will be no explanation or apology.

Yikes!

Yes scammers monitor websites for information. That is why they are so good and convincing. They also change their name and change their appearence when they get "blacklisted" on a website. Remember they are professinals and learn their craft through information and experience.

With that said, don't give up if this what you want. It is a lotto and expensive. If you bring them to your country, you must devote you life and all your free time to them. If you are not willing to make this comittment, then don't go down this road.

Ask questions of one of us or this board. Ask your girl questions that you feel need answers.

Whichever path you take I wish you well and happiness.

Posted by: PrincetonLion

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuberatking

I am corresponding with a REAL lady in Zvenigovo.

Maybe it is Zvenigorod?

Posted by: Ellen

or Zvenigovno

oops sorry I'm ashamed of myself