How To Avoid Scams On Mail Order Bride Sites

Mail order bride scams are a serious problem in the online dating world. Unfortunately, many people have been scammed by con artists among Russian bride scams who promise true love and romance but only deliver heartache and financial disaster. How can you protect yourself from these scams? As an international dating coach, I know firsthand the risk of encountering scams on mail order bride sites. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent romance scams, which I discuss in my post.

Are all mail order brides a scam?

As someone who has researched the mail order bride phenomenon and worked with individuals who have been scammed by these services, I can confidently say that not all mail order brides are a scam. 

However, it’s important to be cautious and thoroughly research any service before using it, as there have been cases in which not men but women for marriage have been misled or exploited by their partners. In fact, Philippine brides scams are particularly prevalent. The Philippines is one of only two countries where divorce is still illegal. This puts many women in a devastating position if they find themselves trapped in abusive or unhappy international marriages. 

Additionally, many mail order bride websites exist solely for the purpose of financial exploitation, often targeting vulnerable individuals such as undocumented immigrants. Ultimately, while there may be success stories among international marriages facilitated by mail order bride services, it’s important to educate yourself on possible mail order bride scams before getting involved.

Potential dangers on brides sites

As a professional in the dating industry, I saw with my own eyes the potential dangers of bride websites. Russian bride scams, in particular, have become a major issue for those seeking love on the internet. In fact, according to data from the US Embassy in Moscow, almost every day Russian bride scams ask U.S. residents to send money or credit card details for living expenses, travel, or visa costs.

The most common mail order bride scams involve:

• Scam dating websites
• Gold diggers
• Fake profiles

As exciting as it may be to find love across borders and oceans, it’s important to stay safe and protect yourself from these potential dangers. Continue reading to learn my effective guidance on how not to get scammed.

How to avoid mail order bride scams

When looking for a spouse online, it’s important to be aware of the many romance scams that exist. Multiple scammers pretend to be interested in marriage but are really only interested in getting your money. Here are some tips for avoiding these frauds:

1. Do your research. Don’t just sign up for the first site that you come across. It’s always helpful to conduct a Google search with phrases such as “site name + scam” or “site name + review” to see if there have been any red flags or complaints. Look for comments from other members.

2. Use reputable sites. There are many trustworthy mail order bride sites out there, but there are also a lot of scammy ones. Stick with well-known providers to minimize your risk. These sites have been around for a while and have a good reputation.

3. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers. If a site is offering you a significantly lower price than its competitors, it’s probably not legitimate. Genuine mail order bride services don’t need to resort to shady tactics like this.

4. Communicate with your potential bride. Don’t send money to someone you know little about. Instead, communicate with your potential bride through the site’s messaging system. This will help you get to know her better and ensure that she is real.

5. Before getting involved with any “potential partners” online, do some research. Look them up on social media, Google their pictures, name, and check if there have been any reports of scams associated with them. It’s also important to never give out personal information to someone you haven’t met in person. Trust your instincts – if something feels off about the person’s behavior or requests, cut off all communication immediately.

6. Meet in person as soon as possible. Once you have communicated with someone you like long enough to feel comfortable, arrange a personal meeting with them. This will help you avoid any scams and waste of time.

With these tips in mind, you can safely navigate the treacherous waters of mail order bride scams and find the love of your life without being scammed. And my personal advice is don’t rush into anything; make sure you’re comfortable with the site you’re using and the person you’re talking to. If something feels wrong, trust your gut and walk away.