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From Russia With Love?

I got an e-mail from a beautiful Russian girl (she sent me photos) wanting to get to get to know me. I don't know how she got my name and e-mail address. Although I'm happily married, I thought there would be no harm in being pen friends, so I responded. Then, even though she didn't know me, she actually invited me over to Russia and wanted a serious relationship! I told her I'm married and she hasn't answered since. What's going on? Some Russian dating agency, or something more sinister like the Russian Mafia up to some identity theft? Very strange.


JockSporran  Thurs 28/08/08 10:51
jno
Thurs 28/08/08
11:12
money will be involved. (Or it may just be someone wanting UK residency.)

But has it occurred to you that not all photos - or words - transmitted on the internet are a true and faithful representation of the person who sends them? Do you for instance really wear a sporran?
squarebear
Thurs 28/08/08
11:13
This is a scam, do NOT reply to her. "She" will strike up a conversation with you for weeks, maybe months, then ask for money to come over and see you.

Needless to say, you don't see either "her" or your money again.
filibuster
Thurs 28/08/08
11:23
I wonder if your wife thought "there would be no harm in being pen-friends".
fideldyfee
Thurs 28/08/08
11:33
How random! Sounds dodgy, I would just try and forget about it and hope you dont hear from her again.
sallabananas
Thurs 28/08/08
11:34
I had a very similar e-mail from a russian woman - I did actually reply; informing her that I too was female, so therefore perhaps her ultimate aim (marriage,,,money...) may well be doomed from the outset.
Just in the very unlikely event it was genuine - I also pointed out to her it was a very dangerous thing she was doing & making her very vulnerable to all the pervs out there.
Needless to say, I did not get a response!!!

Also Jock - I agree with the last poster - what would your wife think??????? ;-(
JockSporran
Thurs 28/08/08
11:36

Question Author

Ha ha, nice one, filibuster. No I don't suppose my wife would have been altogether happy. Naughty me! But really I wouldn't have let it get to anything more than 'pen friends'. I felt flattered, that's all.
JockSporran
Thurs 28/08/08
11:43

Question Author

In future if I get any such e-mails I will trash them. It was foolish of me even to reply. Thanks for all your answers.
MiniN
Thurs 28/08/08
11:44
its a total scam thats been goin on for a while. 'she' eventually would ask for money to come and visit you or for a sick relative then bing bang bosh your money and your russian 'lady' disappears.

just ignore the scammer emails.
mirela
Thurs 28/08/08
15:58
if you got the email from a male, would you keep him as penfriend as well?
abstract
Thurs 28/08/08
17:08
BE VERY VERY CAREFUL! she'll lure you to a place and then you'll probably be tortured,butchered and then horrifically slaughtered............have'nt we learned nothing from that film ''HOSTEL?''

Scarlett
Thurs 28/08/08
17:46
Of course she was beautiful- she doesn'r exist in reality and if she did, she wouldn't be interested in you. I'm sorry! But this is a scam. Read the other posts. She will actually be a "he" and will get information from you which will eventually end up in you paying for something for "her". It is a scam. If you want a penpal, write to us!:)
JockSporran
Thurs 28/08/08
19:02

Question Author

mirela - no I wouldn't have answered a message from a male. But please don't judge me too harshly, and don't judge all men by the same token.

abstract - yes, I've seen 'Hostel' (I've got the DVD). That did occur to me.


Tups
Thurs 28/08/08
23:01
I won't go into details but the son of a good friend of mine started talking to someone who lured him on the internet. He, too, thought it would be fun and harmless to pursue a friendship on line. She turned out to be under age and - even though she let him believe she was older - he ended up in prison fro 'grooming'!!!!
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