I have been the target of an internet scam from a woman in the Ukraine asking for money. Any help?
Everything started as an online dating communication. After several e-mails going back and forth, the woman in question claims she is in love with me and would like to see me as soon as possible. Then, she asked me for money to take care of her visa, and medical insurance because her salary does not allow her to pay for it. At this point, I became a little suspicious… I did some research and sure enough, there is a huge scam going on where some Ukraine woman target men in Canada and the US. The person I was communicating with is waiting for my reply about the money, and I would like to get authorities involved to help catch these people. Beware though, the scammers even go a step further by posing as detectives that will help you catch the scammers for a fee. Any suggestions?
Email back and say “Sorry, I do not have spare money to send to you because I just paid for a plane ticket to come visit you. Also, you need to know that US law says you can not get a visa to come to the US unless I come to meet you in Ukraine first. Send me your phone number and address. I will be there on 8 December.”
If you simply delete the mails, this scammer (most likely a man) will start to pull the “guilt strings” on you. Make it clear you will not send money, and insist you will go to Ukraine first. This person will disappear on you quickly.
There is no agency in the US that can or will step into this situation, because the scammer is in Ukraine. It is not illegal in Ukraine, as the person is not forcing you to send money. If you send money, the authorities will simply say “you sent it freely”. (I watched a program on this exact scam last week here in Kyiv, and they had Ukrainian police who were scammed… and they could do nothing).
Then, go to a reputable dating site, instead of one of those freebie sites. (http://www.elenasmodels.com)
Online dating ukraine