How To Avoid Being a Victim of Internet Love Fraud

Just as a spider is an opportunist—it spins its web and waits for prey—the World Wide Web is full of opportunistic predators, waiting for some hapless visitor to stumble into their trap. And where there is a niche market on the Internet, there will be an abundance of niche-market scammers. The online international dating community, therefore, while mostly populated by well-intentioned souls searching for a genuine mate, will also have its fair share of black widows.

These scammers are the single, sweet and, yes, sexy foreign girls who tell their love-sick man back in the States he’s the one they’ve been waiting for—only to sucker him out of hundreds, thousands or even millions of dollars—not to mention his entire store of self-respect.

If you’re in doubt, try this. Search the Internet for "marriage agency scams" and spend a little time looking at the top Web sites.

These were developed as a direct response to scammers, to educate men about the prevalence of marriage scams. It’s pretty important information for anyone considering marrying a foreign woman.

There’s just one problem here. The majority of these anti-scam sites are scams.

Yup. The very ones that portend to warn men against them.

Welcome the wonderful world of international intrigue and excitement that is, all too often, international dating.

Unfortunately, any men looking for love are so focused on fulfilling their dreams that they forget others’ intentions may not be as pure. Or, men are aware of the potential scams, but nonetheless think, “It’ll never happen to me.”

But we’re here to tell you: “You too could be the victim of love fraud.”

Just think of it like this: You're ready to enter the online dating scene. You know about the scams, so you pledge that you’re going to be smart—you’re gonna be on guard against suspicious requests—your defenses will be in place 100%.

Then you meet Christiana, a gorgeous 23-year-old from Moscow. She’s fluent in 4 languages, has a degree in physical therapy, and spends her time at the gym, the library and tending to her little sister.

Your guard just got lowered by 80%.

We could spell out the whole sad story, but eventually—just to help her pay for her mother’s hospital bills, or just to be able to meet and marry the young philanthropist with the perfect figure and old-world values—you find yourself saying, “Should I send the money by check or by wire?”

So. Want to avoid being the victim of love fraud?

The solution is easy. Do not give her money.

That’s all there is to it.

The truth is, no respectable woman will exploit the man she “loves” in this manner. The kind of woman you want to spend your life with would never play on her man’s emotions in such a way.

Further, even if you do reject an honest request from an honest women—if she’s the right one for you, she’ll understand why. She’ll know you’re nobody's fool, and that this attribute will benefit both of you—as well as your future children.

Don’t forget: Thousands of couples have done their courting over the Internet, and thousands of couples are still happily wed.

But also remember that dating is about love, not money. Don't be a fool for instant gratification. Take your time in love. It will be worth it.