| | How to avoid getting scammed in your search
By Arthur
Actually my title is a misnomer. Because if you travel enough to Russia or Ukraine you almost certainly will get scammed. If you follow these tips though, you’ll reduce the cost of the scams though you won’t avoid them totally
Important point: You really do not know these ladies. She may be the only one for you, but she may have a boyfriend or even a husband that you don’t know about. They key to almost all the scams is to transfer money from your wallet to hers!
She knows your time is limited. So all she has to do is get you to break a Ben Franklin ($100US) or two or three on her. That’s good money in the Ukraine.
The key to almost all the scams is money. Yours! Let me repeat: they want to get you to spend money on them, buy them expensive dinners (a glass of champagne or even a bottle – of course. After all, she’ll say, “I don’t want to drink alone”) [they can get kickbacks from the restaurant], buy them gifts (“my cell phone broke so I can’t call you unless you can get me a new one; can I have a camera so I can mail photos back to you?”). Get the picture? If a girl really likes you a small inexpensive gift, like a scented candle is plenty.
Dinner: tell the translator in advance the most you’ll pay for a first date is 500 grivnas (about $60US). That is really plenty for a “let’s see if there’s chemistry” date anyway. A coffee or juice , plus a salad or soup, that’s plenty the first time. And even the second time!
Translator: do not agree to more than $15US per hour. In smaller cities like Kherson or Poltava, $10 per hour is typical. Insist on a lower fee!
Gifts: no way Jose! Beware when she takes you to a mall or store. This is time for you to show her how much you care. Yeah right. And after you head home to the USA, she’ll be taking the next sucker out to the same store or mall. Get the idea?
Occupation: she’s a doctor. A lawyer. An engineer. Yeah right --- and you’re an Indian chief. Get the picture? What are you going to do to check her credentials since you’re in a foreign country and can’t speak the language? Be cautious of taking any statements she makes, about what she does for a living, or her educational level or degrees, at face value.
Sob stories: Here are some I’ve personally been involved with:
1) I accidentally hit someone with my car. I have to pay their medical expenses or go to jail! Please help me!
2) can you buy me a cell phone? My phone broke so without it I can’t make any dates with you. [what they do is get the gift at a store that accepts returns. They return the gift, and keep the cash.]
3) My dad’s in the hospital and he could really use some cash to help with his medical bills. He’ll really like you for this…..Awww…..
4) If you buy her this cell phone [about 2400 grivna or $600US], [this was said to me by the translator] you will be a REAL MAN! A BIG MAN! She can take you home to her mom and dad and show them what you bought for her! And they will see you can take of their daughter!
Again --- I can’t repeat often enough --- if she really likes you, the money should be irrelevant. If it’s not, no matter how pretty she is, just say you have to go, and vamoose! There are plenty of honest down to earth ladies who do not ask for expensive gifts or dinners and are just happy to see you…..
Arthur
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