Interview with a lawyer

Recently, more often we come across deceit in our everyday life. The people who deceive us are called scammers. But who are these people? This is what we have talked about with a very well know lawyer, in our city. We were talking about the scammers who deceive foreign men, who try to find their other halves, on the Internet.

Q: Please tell me who are scammers in the legal language?

A: Scammers are people who take part in getting money from foreign men, who are looking to connect their lives with the women, living in Russia.

Q: Can you tell me, what type of scheme do they use?

A: Scammers use a standard scheme:

~ They place the photographs and profiles of virtual women with real names and last names on Internet sites.
~ They rent an office, where a few computers are placed with an Internet connection.
~ A few young men (sometimes women), who know some English, start corresponding with foreign men who become interested.

Q: Can you get an idea from corresponding to them, that you are really taking part in corresponding with a scammer, and not a real woman?

A: Generally, yes. A scammer’s task is to receive as much money from the foreigner as he/she can. Lately, they use sample letters to answer. That is why you should ask personal questions such as, and if the answer is very vague and not standard enough, then you are probably corresponding with a scammer.

Q: Can you say why there are so many scammers in Russia?

A: It's a pretty easy way of making money. And right now, it is a shame to cheat a foreigner, and the law-enforcement authorities aren’t always able to find the scammers...

Q: Is it possible to identify a scammer, and is it possible to make them return the stolen money? Have there been such cases?

A: It is hard to prove them guilty, but it is possible. Primarily it is hard to do because of the great distance that is setting the scammer and the scammed apart. The foreigner is turning to the Department of Justice for help, International police is involved, but to solve a case takes up so much time. However, there were cases, when a scammer was proven guilty and they were placed in jail.

Q: What is the term sentence for these people?

A: The scammers activity is classified under 159 Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (swindling), the maximum term of imprisonment is 10 years, otherwise its a money penalty.

Q: What precautions should a foreigner take so that they don't get on this hook?

A: If someone has been scammed, it is necessary to lodge a complaint to the law enforcement authorities. State all of the facts in detail: provide photographs, letters, information on translation, what was the money paid for, and attach a copy of all checks – in all, give them as much information as you possibly can. At the same time, it is not necessary to come there in person.

Q: Can you avoid being scammed?

A: Yes, you can, be careful in your correspondence. A scammer is always out to get your money and as fast as possible They are assuring the foreigner that they really like him, and promise great sex, ask to send them some money to live on, for Visa, tickets or help relatives who don’t exist, who got in a bad situation. There are different variations, depending on what the scammer comes up with. You must know, that times have changed, and to win a woman’s heart, takes time, more correspondence, to get to know each other better. And of course, it is necessary to turn to international dating agencies, for help and support, such as "Virginia".