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Mobile Phone Issue
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Posted by: Torontoguy

Hi guys,

I'm still not sure if this is 100% scam but my lady friend keeps asking me to buy her a mobile phone for $200US. It is not your typical visa scheme, but money is money in whatever form it is asked. I'm afraid this is just a start to something bigger, but more importantantly, it is a test to see if I'm willing to give her money. It just seems like a very impolite thing to do to start a relationship - to ask someone to buy you something. I've known her for months now and not once did she ask me for money. Any thoughts about this would be appreciated.

Torguy

Posted by: sidney

I would not send money. This can only open a can of worms for larger gifts. Use this $ toward a visit to see her. See if there is chemistry first.
Sid

Posted by: rtking

Agreed with Sidney. Tell her that you'll buy her a cell phone when you two meet. Having a cell phone is considered prestigious in the FSU (but nearly everyone has one in the larger cities), but it's not "required." There's still the home phone that you can call her on. Hopefully she'll understand. If not, then maybe there's something about her personality that you two should discuss.

Bob

Posted by: mtbclay

Toronto Guy,

I agree with Sidney and RTKing. I would question why she is asking for money. Especially when you have not met her. I wrote my GF for nine months before I met her. She has never asked me for money. I have bought her a cell phone but it was only after I had met her, then it was my idea not her's. In my situation the first time I sent her money was when I was going to visit. I sent money so that she could put a deposit on an apartment and pay for a taxi to pick me up at the airport, and to stock some food in the apartment. But again I offered to send the money, she never asked me.

Clay

Posted by: Torontoguy

Thanks alot guys,

Your input has been most helpful. She is very anxious to meet as she does not want to wait only to realize we are not meant for each other. I understand her view as you can never tell until you meet. However, for her to ask for a mobile phone which may not be necessary is very unappealing to me. The most difficult part of meeting a RW I think is knowing whether we are overreacting/over-analyzing or detecting a potential scam. But time does tell whether it is a scam or not as a true scammer will usually not wait. My friend is willing to wait for my visit, but she has now shown her hastiness to leave Russia for a new life, which also does not bode well because I question her true intent. She does live in a poor city, Ulyanovsk, and does not want to live the life like her parents. The problem I foresee here is her perception of what I represent to her. It would be naive to think that she's leaving purely for true love when I know she wants to leave her current life. I'm a well-to-do individual and I worry about my unexpected financial loss, it crosses my mind. It also doesn't help reading some threads here that portray how connaiving RW can be based on their experiences. Does one really need to put himself through this game of Russian roulette?

Thanks again,
Torguy

Posted by: mtbclay

Torguy,

I see nothing wrong with her being anxious to meet so that both of you will know your compatability. But as for the over all picture you do not have to be in a rush to bring her home and get married. I would suggest that if you have any doubts about your willingness to pursue the path of finding an FSU woman, you look deep inside of yourself. Because this journey is not for the timid. You have to want it bad.

Clay

Posted by: Leprechaun

Quote:

Originally posted by mtbclay

I would suggest that if you have any doubts about your willingness to pursue the path of finding an FSU woman, you look deep inside of yourself. Because this journey is not for the timid. You have to want it bad.

Clay

Class

Posted by: mtbclay

Thanks Leprechaun

Posted by: iruss

Give her a mobile phone....don't send money though

Posted by: AkMike

Hold off on the phone until after you meet. Then you'll have a better handle on things.

Posted by: GreenBarb

Just to let you know ULYANOVSK is not a poor city. I visisted my girlfriend last month in Dimitrovgrad and we went to Ulyanovsk twice to meet her friends there. It is a two hour bus ride also Lennin lived there. I would not call it a poor city in fact it is very modern by Russian standards and large. With large shopping centres and University. As for the Mobile phone (Cell Phones) there are shops all over the place selling them and nearly everyone has a phone. Wait until you arrive to buy the phone. You will also be able to fly from Moscow to one of the two airports there.

Good Luck

Slaine go Foil

Posted by: rattlesnake6979

Having a mobile telephone is no big deal as most people in Russia have these as well as home computers etc. I wouldnt send a cent to this person . Meet first and find out if you have any chemistry otherwise all you are doing is wasting your money as well as maybe falling into a little money making trap ...

rattle