Does this sound like a scam??? - Russian Ukrainian Belarus Travel Music Woman Dating News

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Does this sound like a scam???
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Posted by: mdeutsch2k

I would like some opinions as to the most recent letter that I have received from a woman I have been corresponding with. Please be honest with your opinions, I am unsure as to this situation.

Hello my dearest Michael!!!
I'm so glad to receive your letter. Yesterday I have been busy very
much at my work and only today could visit the Internet cafe. I so
much missed you!!!!!! Yesterday on Saturday at my work there was a
general cleaning, all workers of the kindergarten came and carefully
washed all kindergarten. We have such cleaning once a month or a 2
months, seasonally, in the winter less often because the dust has
less. We washed windows, toys, cases, shelfs and so on. Such cleaning
is necessary in a kindergarten.
I went to travel agency and there I have found out about necessary
documents for trip and costs. There in agency have explained to me all
things. This travel agency cooperates with the American embassy in
Moscow and has very strong both adjusted connections and contacts not
only to foreign embassies but also to large airlines and to other
organizations. There me have assured that they guarantee to me
registration of the visa and all documents necessary for trip. Except
for it they help the clients to reserve tickets convenient to visa's
terms. I should issue the visa and the passport for travel abroad. The
trip to France for one week for one person costs 700 $ including the
visa, hotel and only breakfasts. Only one week, it's so short time! To
Spain is more expensive than to France and unfortunately to the
Netherlands is even more expensive. How much the trip to France will
cost for you? Also I have found out about a trip to the USA. They have
explained to me that for me as unmarried and having a constant place
of work, the most suitable variant is the tourist visa. Also I have
asked can I receive the visa, to me have answered that I can, they
have explained to me that some time ago there were difficulties with
reception of visas in USA, but now I can receive the American tourist
visa for 3 months. The visa costs 160$US and 30 $ for its
registration, the passport for travel abroad costs 80 $, also 45 $ for
medical exam and 40 for interview and for some other expenses I ' ll
have. In total I will need about 360$US to cover all expenses for
papers. The visa will be ready through 10 - 12 days after payment and
the agreement. Firstly it is necessary to issue the passport for
travel abroad and the visa and other documents, and then to reserve
tickets. There is no international airport here in Krasnodar,
therefore I should to fly all over again from Krasnodar to Moscow,
then from Moscow to you. Cost of tickets aboard the plane from
Krasnodar to Moscow is 200$US, Cost of the cheapest tickets from
Moscow to Denver approximately 800$US, depending on airline, to find
out the cost of the ticket more precisely is possible only after
booking tickets. It is cost of tickets by the economic class, these
are the cheapest tickets. This cost includes all gathering the
airports. I should be honest with you and I should admit that to save
such sum of money I'll for a very long time. I assumed but I did not
think that so expensive. For me it is very big sum of money, I do not
know what to do. I so want to meet you in the person! I would like to
know what you think in this occasion. I with impatience wait your
letter.

only your Marina.

I appreciate any and all advice....

Posted by: mdeutsch2k

I thought that I should also mention that I have only been corresponding with her for a few weeks. She contacted me first via yahoo personals. I was simply trying to meet some friends near me in Denver. I responded and it has been very interesting learning about her. I then did some research and found this site, as well as all the scamming information out there. I did not see her on any black lists, but I do not know her last name or address. I asked for her name and mailing info on my last letter, and she did not respond to those questions. I also mentioned meeting her in her home town of Krasnodar, but she said that it is not safe for foreigners due to kidnappings, murders etc... Because Krasnodar is so close to Chechnya. I then mentioned meeting in Moscow, and that question was also not addressed. All of the warning signs seem to be there, but I probably just don't want to believe that she is scamming me because I've enjoyed our correspondence so far. Hopefullty this sheds a little more light on the situation. Thank you in advance for any insight.

Michael-

Posted by: ConnerVT

Scam.

And before all the ladies begin their anti-scammer attack on me, I'll deflate it by saying virtually everything written in this email COULD be true. The facts and prices are, for the most part, true.

But the part that spins it off the track is "There me have assured that they guarantee to me registration of the visa and all documents necessary for trip." Although possible for a single kindergarten teacher to receive a Tourist visa to the US, France, or the Netherlands, it is very unlikely.

The best lies are based in fact. Unfortunately, this one is most certainly a lie.

Yahoo (and other free) personal ads are a constant source of new email addresses of potential victims for this type of scam.

Sorry.

Posted by: mdeutsch2k

I agree that the prices did sound reasonable, I also think that much of what she has told me has been factual. There have just been several warning signs. I shouls also mention that afew letters ago she signed "Your Marina." followed by "Your Tanya." When I questioned who Tanya was, she said that it was her second name. It was her mothers name, who has passed away and she has her eyes and hair, and people close to her also call her Tanya. Here was what she wrote. I hope it is not a lie but...

Hello my dearest Michael!!!
I'm very glad to receive your letters. How are you? To my regret
yesterday I could not visit the Internet cafe. Yes, I were able to
view the link to where you live, I like it!
Tanya is my second name. My mum was named Tanya, I am very similar to
her externally, therefore since my early years all who knew my mum
named me Tanya, because I am very similar to my mum. I have inherited
my eyes and my hair from her. Mentally I communicate with my mum
always and I tell to her about you, and I feel that if my mum was
alive that she would like you and she would approve my choice. I am
sure that she completely supports me and it helps me somewhat.
I too very much want to meet you in the person! I very much would like
to see you here in Russia on a visit me, but I worry about you, now in
Russia it is a lot of terrorism, it is a lot of cases of kidnappings
of foreigners with the purpose of the repayment, and even murders.
Especially here in Krasnodar territory which borders on the Chechen
republic. Likely you heard how affairs in the Chechen Republic are,
about it write and speak in all sources of the information. Therefore
it is very dangerous to be here to foreign citizens especially
travelling alone. Probably it sounds wildly and awfully, but it is the
Russian validity. I would not want to endanger you, I very much worry
about your safety.

Is this the biggest warning sign of all? I do think I have been played for a fool...

Sincerly,

Michael

Posted by: Jerico

I also think this is a scam.
First sign to me is contacting you via Yahoo personals.
I also had 4 Russian woman contact me from here.
All told the same story you are getting.
They can all get visas through friends who work at embassy etc.
Their mothers were all dead but they were confident that the mothers would like me.
Also the diferent name Tanya.
Sounds like there are a lot of letters going out from this person and she is not keeping good track of whos getting what.
I never thought I would ever want to see a Russian girl until i was contacted via Yahoo personals.
She was cute and the letters were nice like what your getting.
But it was a scam.Never did she get any money but you could see the suttle hints she gave me.
I started reseaching Russian woman and came upon some Russian dating sites.
I wrote a few woman from these sites and visited a few of them in Russia.
Now I have my beautiful Fiancee from Kyrgistan with me now and life is pretty good for me.

If you really want to meet a Russian girl I suggest writing a few of them on legit sites like this one.
Stay away from the ones that email you on yahoo.
Just my opinion though. I am not saying on yahoo they are all loking for money , just 99 percent of them

Jerry

Posted by: mdeutsch2k

I am happy to hear that thinks worked out for you in the long run. I must admit that I have never even considered trying to meet a RW until she contacted me. Since our correspondence I have become very intrigued and have researched Russia, and the many wonderful people from there. I do now want to visit Russia more than I have in the past. It is encouraging to know that there are many legitimate people who are looking for more than just money. I will probably take a trip over there in the next year or so, simply because I love to travel. I probablty will not to a social type trip though, I am not comfortable with that scenario. I am certainly not desperate for a woman, but I am trying to broaden my horizons so to speak.
I found it interesting your comment regarding 99% of the women I come into contact with from Russia on Yahoo are interested in money. I recall reading somewhere on this site that any legitimate woman from Russia will not initiate contact. I was wondering if you and others feel that that is a true statement. I am coming to terms with the fact that I was probably being deceived. But I now wonder how to proceed. Should I stop contact, should I plainly tell her that I think she is a scammer? I am now in position that I did not bargain for when I originally bagan correspondence. I am curious to hear others thoughts.

Thanks again Jerry for your thoughts...

Michael-

Posted by: AkMike

There are exceptions to every 'rule' though.. My wife contacted me first! A buddy was writing a lady over there, so I asked him to ask her if she knew someone that might want to write me.
She wote me first!
Now over a year later we're married!

Posted by: mdeutsch2k

Thanks Mike. I agree that there are exceptions. I think the difference was that your friend had a contact that wrote to you. The initiation in my case was completely blind. I never imagined I would be contacted by someone from Russia or any other place besides Denver. I was intrigued, and very happy to learn about her culture. I just feel deceived. I am still not 100% convinced it is a scam, but I am just at rusting person. I feel like telling her "ok where do I send the money?" and then see how she replies. I do not want to play games, but I would rather just fly to Moscow and pay for her airfare there. I am curious why she is not interested in that option. Another red flag in my mind...

Thanks again Mike,

Michael-

Posted by: Jill

Sounds like a big ol' scam to me.

Quote:

I shouls also mention that afew letters ago she signed "Your Marina." followed by "Your Tanya." When I questioned who Tanya was, she said that it was her second name. It was her mothers name, who has passed away and she has her eyes and hair, and people close to her also call her Tanya.

Ever see the movie "Psycho"? Just kidding, of course, but it does seem quite odd.

Posted by: mdeutsch2k

I have seen Psycho!!! I actually just finished writing her telling her that I think that this has all been a scam. I said that I do not expect to hear back from her, but if this is not a scam that she would understand my concerns. I will keep you all posted as to if I hear back from her or not. Thank you all for your input.

Thanks,

Michael

Posted by: Jill

Good luck to you Michael!

Posted by: GreenBarb

My GF was the one who made first contact with me on but money has never been mentioned.
So I would say receiving First contact from a Russian Woman is not a bad thing. There are genuine girls out there who will make first contact but I would advise caution until you get to know each other better.

Posted by: mdeutsch2k

I appreciate your message. I will now proceed with caution. I must say that another woman has initiated contact, and after 4 letters she has now stated her love for me. This was much more forward than Marina in Krasnodar. I am starting to feel as though I have a big target on myself. It is too bad that I am having such bad experiences. I am 34, and have been divorced for a long while. I thought there may be hope fr a period of a few weeks, and at this age it is hard for me to realize the world we now live in. I try to keep an open mind, but I must admit that this experience has really made me think. I only want to fall in love with someone who can love me as much as I can love them, but I now feel that this thought is nothing but a fantasy. I thank everyone for there feedback. I will keep all of you updated as to how things progress, or in my case recede.

Thank you,

Michael-

Posted by: AkMike

Maybe you should delete the yahoo ad and start looking on your own. There are many real ladies over there that are sincerely looking for a life with a good man.

Just my thoughts.

Posted by: mdeutsch2k

Mike I did delete the yahoo ad. I think I am just going to settle for what I ahve in life. If a woman is destined to be with me, I think we will come together. If not suc is life. I am no longer seeking though. I will now concentrate on myself. Meaning that I will continue to try and grow as a person, and if there is somone who happens to come into my life that is compatiable, then I will know that it is true. I seem to have only attractded vultures on my search.

Sincerley,

Michael-

Posted by: Pin Boy

why don't you try the personals on this site...there are many ladies and the cost is reasonable. good luck
pin boy

Posted by: AkMike

That sounds like a bit of a defeatist attitude..

Seek and ye shall find..........

I wasted too many years feeling just as you do after my marriage went in the dumps. Get back in the game and play!

Posted by: mdeutsch2k

I appreciate the encouragement. I must admit that looking at my posts it was definitley a deafeatest attitude. I will take your advice and look at the personals on this site. I have not given up hope, and I have alot to offer to the right person, but I have been deceived so many times that it is often dicouraging. I know that ther are many good people out ther, such as the friends that have helped me here. So in good faith I will continue my journey. Thank you all!

Michael-

Posted by: AkMike

Good! Get back in and watch out for players.. But keep playing by your rules!

Posted by: ConnerVT

Quote:

Originally posted by GreenBarb
My GF was the one who made first contact with me on but money has never been mentioned.
So I would say receiving First contact from a Russian Woman is not a bad thing. There are genuine girls out there who will make first contact but I would advise caution until you get to know each other better.

I get beat up on this many times, but I'll ask:

Did you specifically put in your free personal ad that you were looking for women from the FSU to contact you?

If you made it clear you were interested in a RW contacting you, then it certainly isn't something to be concerned about.

But mdeutsch2k wrote that he was only interested in meeting people in the Denver area. So he likely didn't specifically state in his ad that he was interested in a foreign woman.

What would inspire a person to write to another half the way around the world, when they give no indication they would be interested in ever hearing from them? "I'll take a chance, what the hell?" Not likely. Most people don't care for rejection, so why look for it? You usually only speak with people you think you may make a connection with.

In mdeutsch2k's case, here is a kindergarten teacher with nothing better to do then spend her time and money writing to unknown foreign man, one whose personal ad probably gave no indication he was interested in her. Does this seem right to anyone?

Posted by: ConnerVT

mdeutsch2k --

Don't let the scammers get you down. My first contact with a RW was a woman in Penza, who ran the same classic visa scam as you got from Marina (and interestingly enough, she said she was a kindergarten teacher also). I attempted to send her flowers, except the address she gave me was a non-existent office in a building that houses a bank!

But after that, it had my mind working. I continued to learn more, and went off to search for my other half. The other day, my wife and I celebrated seven months of marriage together.

Posted by: MICHAELZ

Just read your post and letters, your girl will have a hard time getting a tourist visa if she is young and single,, especially to the USA or a EU country. She would have to have a snegen visa or such. Anyway, if she is for real, you should fly to Moscow to meet her and you would only be out the $200.00 for her ticket, but you should book the ticket once you are in Moscow for her. If she is for real you can talk to her once your in Moscow and make the travel arrangements necessary. Buy your ticket with a refundable fare. If she doesnt show, you will have a good time anyway in Moscow as there are tons of ladies there I am sure. Going to legit sites like the other gentleman said is better. I met my fiancee at Brides.ru. they are pretty reputable and my friend met his wife there. Give it a try my friend. Would love to her what happened in the end. Send me a personal message. Take care and good luck. Michael

Posted by: mtbclay

Michael,

I agree with Conner, don't let the scammers get you down. I was contacted by scammers on Yahoo as well. It was during my search for information on visiting the FSU that I discovered a whole world that I never knew existed. Now I have met a very special woman that I am head over heels about. I have Anna (the one who attempted to defraud me) to thank for showing me the path to woemen from the FSU. One day you may want to thank Marina (if you think this is a path you want to pursue) for pointing the way. Good luck

Clay

Posted by: GreenBarb

Sorry ConnerTV,

I have been in Russia for the last three weeks visiting my GF, for the first time I might add. So I am still trying to catch up with the goings on.