Mail Order Bride Scams

You should always be more careful doing business overseas, this article points out some of the danger signs. Abe Rothstein is the content manager for Abe's INS Fiancée Visa Help Site. Click For Visa Assistance

By Abe Rothstein

Does the term 'mail order bride' sound outdated? Historically, mail order brides were women who listed themselves in catalogs in order to be selected by men for marriage, often without an initial meeting. These unions were common in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. However, today most of the women referred to as mail order brides list themselves on the internet and communicate regularly with their intended husband before marriage. Similarly, men who list themselves in such publications may be referred to as mail order husbands. But, beware of mail order bride scams.

About mail order bride scams

Like other internet scams, mail order bride scams take advantage of potential candidates through fraudulent measures, such as paying fees for a non-existent service. Because many of these sites operate overseas, it is very difficult to regulate them.

The best protection is vigilance


* Conducting a research and gathering information can help you detect a scam. The golden rule should always remain--never send money or pay for a service before being completely certain that the website is reputable.
* Even if a site appears reputable, research it thoroughly (visit other websites, check government and/or consumer protection agencies, and contact people knowledgeable in the field). It might seem simple enough, but with so many websites and ads posted on the web, differentiating a reputable one from a fraudulent one can be daunting.



Sending money

Be weary of forwarding money to people and/or organizations who claim to need your financial support to sponsor or help a potential wife. As a general rule of thumb, sending money to someone you have never met is not recommended. Note that not all who ask for money through websites are pulling scams, and many mail order bride sites, as well as their members, are reputable. However, it is wise to research and seek reference before engaging in any kind of financial support.



Warning signs

You can suspect a mail order bride scam if:

She's in love with you after only a few letters and/or emails...

Until you have met and spent time together, claims of being in love are doubtful.

She needs money to secure your lodging when you visit...

There should be no need for money up-front in order to ensure accommodation for your visit; be skeptical if you are specifically requested for cash.

Someone they love needs an operation...

This declaration and others like it are commonly used in an effort to appeal to your compassionate side.

She offers to come visit you...

Traveling entails expenses (visas, airline tickets, etc.) In many countries, few mail order brides can qualify for a tourist visa, and although some women may believe they can get one, there are many who simply want to pocket the cash.

Agencies

When agencies are honest and reputable, they act as reliable links between two parties. However, in some mail order bride scams, the women advertised on the sites may not even be aware that an agency has placed their personal ad online. Or, it may be an agency staffer who simply responds to emails sent to profiles of women who do not exist. Again, not all agencies are scams, but be aware and be savvy.

The reason there are so many mail order bride scams is simple--there is a huge potential to make easy money from men in search of a bride. Unfortunately, because the internet is so vast and difficult to regulate, there is very little recourse for victims of fraudulence on the internet, especially when it is conducted from a foreign country. The best protection is to be discerning when using a mail order bride agency and spread the word when you discover a mail order bride scam.