How can I tell if the woman I am talking with is not a scammer?

jim w: How can I tell if the woman I am talking with is not a scammer?
she comes from ukraine. Home is in svatovo but she goes to the univ of art & culture in Lugansk. She has never asked me for money & I think she is sincere. I plan to visit her in january and I need to know if there is any way I can confirm her background.
I am concerned because lugansk is known as the scam capital of europe. If we marry, is there a ligitimate marriage agency that will help me with the legal work, etc?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Carrie Fieldsmith
You can hire a PI to research her background.
And as for the marrying thing, there is probably a US embassy/counsel in Lugansk so I am sure you can marry her there.

Answer by fr_chuck
I can only wish you luck, and to always do so with care.

There are alot of rules about being able to bring a bride from another county, There has to be a record of correspondance over a certain time, a record of trips and more.

I would consult with immigration and the embasy in thier nation

Answer by Mr.Ed
Private detective/investigator?

Answer by scarlettt_ohara
Be very careful and read this: California man killed in Brazil after meeting Internet `fiancee’

Answer by yellowkayak
There have to be private investigators over there. Former KGB cashing in on this scam. Check with our state department to see if they can recommend anyone that is legitimate out of Kiev. I know a big Ukrainian family that only marry Ukrainians and they seem to know all Ukrainians in the Eastern US. They are a bit shady but your best bet is the state department.

Answer by Kevin
These posts paint a worse picture than there really is.

First, you have to consider several things.

1. How did you meet this girl?

Was it an unsolicited email from her? Or did you find it on a “free” dating website? Or a forum posting, “looking for a man”?

2. How long have you written to her?

A month? A couple? A few? 6 months? Do you talk on the phone at all, or just email?

3. How old is she and how old are you?

Ukrainian women from 17-22 usually don’t care about age difference. Beyond that, 10-15 years age difference is prefered, but nothing more (usually).

4. Help bringing her here if you marry. It’s not so hard, yet the most difficult is the US Embassy in Kiev (the only US Embassy in Ukraine).

I’d be happy to talk to you in Yahoo regarding this. Don’t waste money on lawyers. They charge too much for what you can do yourself.

You can view a good topic on what to look for, to tell a scam, at https://www.elenasmodels.com . She runs a reputable dating site, and has a whole section of tips regarding scams.

If you want a cursory check to see if she is real, contact me via email (it’s available in my profile). I live in Ukraine with my wife, who I met on the internet.

It’s not so scarey.