The majority of these scams originate from Russia, but can come from anywhere, including any of the former Soviet Republics (e.g. Ukraine, Belarus, etc.), Eastern European Nations (e.g. Hungary, Romania, etc.), Southeast Asia (e.g. Phillippines, Thailand, etc.), or anywhere else for that matter, even including your home country.

While the majority of Russian women on dating sites are legitimate and genuine, there are a small percentage out there that are not who they say they are, and are out to con unsuspecting men out of money and/or other valuables.

The scam has many variations, but for the most part, they involve a profile of a Russian woman (usually quite attractive) who is seeking a relationship with a man from abroad. After exchanging several emails (and possibly even phone calls) over weeks or months, this person purports to want to relocate to the U.S. (or another country where you reside) to begin a more serious relationship or even marriage. She requests money in order to fly out, and once you send it out to her, she is never heard from again. Other variations include her asking for you to help pay for her Internet usage bills, Internet cafe time, a translating service, etc.

We strongly suggest you do not send any money to anyone you've only met online before first conducting a background check.

If you don't know where to conduct a background check, US Search is a reputable agency that conducts very thorough online dating background checks.