|
Title: R/W letters concerning $ problems Post by: deatchef on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM I have been writing to Luyba; along with at least 5 other u/w for the past 3 weeks. Not long enough in my opinion to send $ for anything. Experienced members and veterans, Please read the following and let me know if I should be worried about this one (and most others that complain in one way or another about $ issues w/ e-mail or English lessons or translation fees, in the 1st few (4-5) e-mails...
Luyba writes: "After your letter, I decided to start learning English seriously. Your opinion is very important for me, dear John. I believe that one day we will see each other eye to eye and I want to make an impression on you. So, I decided to take courses of English. I made up my mind to search for help in our club, as the prices here are very reasonable. And I found out that the two month course costs 270$. I was very much upset, dear John! I want to learn English properly, as I want to make impression on you. But I have no such a lot of money! It's a pity. And I'm very much disappointed, I must tell you. I don't know what to do, I'm at a loss... I hope my letter won't be boring for you, dear. I'll be waiting for your reply, dear John. With the warmer thoughts, your Lyuba. Title: scammers need lessons Post by: bradley on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
it looks like everybody likes to comment on this question. .. this kind of request from this kind of situation [considering what you told] is probably a try to cheat you. so just moving on, is NOT the fair thing to do. you should use up some of this person's time and email costs a bit, as a penalty for what they try to do. i have read this plan here on this board before and it is worth repeating. write that you will send the western union cash. but don't do it. and don't do it SLOWLY, try to trade a few email questions back and forth before you send out a ten number PIN. [8.....]. when they complain it did not work say, sorry i just misread it by one number and send them back TO W-U. again. [w/new pin] if they email back again you could try a third number. or just say that you have changed your mind. Title: Actually Post by: WmGo on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to scammers need lessons, posted by bradley on Jan 18, 2002
scammers should be reported to the various web sites that post scammer lists as well as to the "person's" agency. Title: That's one scam, here's some more Post by: BubbaGump on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
Get a girl that knows English already unless you're fluent in Russian. If you can't communicate, you won't get a decent relationship going. That cuts out one scamming approach. Basic scams: Oh, before you make any trip plans you should have called the girl on the phone and verified her address. Many of their scams are pretty obvious. Any more good ones? Title: I forgot the money changer on the street scam Post by: BubbaGump on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to That's one scam, here's some more, posted by BubbaGump on Jan 17, 2002
If you're changing money on the street in Unraine or Russia you give a bunch of $20 bills to the guy. He counts out some money and then says he doesn't have enough. He gives you a roll of $20 bills back but it has some blank paper wrapped with real bills instead of all your 20s. He goes inside and never comes back. I should not have implied a woman is scamming you if they ask you for money to pay for emails. Find out what is a reasonable cost for email. I think the cost in the email below was a reasonable number. Title: A couple more... Post by: John K on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to That's one scam, here's some more, posted by BubbaGump on Jan 17, 2002
Had one woman named Rano Kabilova develop breast cancer by her 5th or 6th email. I sent her a few dollars and told her at the same time I had found someone else (anyone but her). She thanked me and mysteriously her breast cancer went immediately into remission. Go figure. Had another beautiful blond try to hit me up for a couple of grand to help pay for her college. Sorry, but it college was a couple of grand per semester over there, everyone would be stupid. I called her on it and never heard from her again. Internet/email expenses may be legitimate. It depends on the cost and if you are dealing with the person direct or through an agency. Some agency costs were prohibitive ($5 per page, and additional $6 per page for translation). Others were ok with well managed accounting. The advantage of paying the agency up front is that you aren't putting any financial onus on the lady, except for the bus fare she pays to visit the agency. Regardless of what you hear, internet expenses can add up over in Ukraine. If the lady is footing the bill instead of you, you can expect that she will be charged per letter and more if she has it translated. Expect at least a dollar or two per letter. Not a lot to us, but to some of these girls, it can be a real burden. My wife was one of these girls. As a test, I sent her $40 to see what she would do with it. She never asked for any more money until we decided to get serious many months later. Only after we decided to concentrate only on each other, did I start to support her and her family. As always, this is simply my 2¢ and strictly my opinion. Your mileage may vary... Title: Re: That's one scam, here's some more Post by: WmGo on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to That's one scam, here's some more, posted by BubbaGump on Jan 17, 2002
Another: "my dog needs an operation" :) Title: Re: Re: That's one scam, here's some more Post by: Michael B on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: That's one scam, here's some more, posted by WmGo on Jan 18, 2002
Ha. I'm waiting for my EX to pull that one on me. Her dog (140 lb Great Pyrenees) really does need an operation, something wrong with her hips. Title: The dog or the X? LOL N/T Post by: slimjimco on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: That's one scam, here's some mor..., posted by Michael B on Jan 18, 2002
nt Title: $ problems Post by: WmGo on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
Unfortunately this lady (assuming it is a real female personage) is dishonest. She is trying to take you for a ride. Here are the reasons this is obvious: 1. A good FSUW would never, ever, ever mention the subject of money. Period. 2. If she eventually did after a few months of continous emails, it would only be to hint at the need for a little help with that expense - which can be taken care of by $20 or less per month ( a lot less if she uses the Internet cafe). 3. In Ukraine, English lessons cost $2 to $5 per lesson. Each lesson is typically two hours. Lessons are only provided one to two times per week, as the student has much study and practice to do on their own between lessons. So a month of lessons would only cost $20 to $40. NEVER send money to a woman you have never met in person. NEVER send a small sum for email expense *unless* you have spoken with her on the telephone at least a few times and are preliminarily satisfied that she is a real person, is legit, etc. Frankly, the lady's letter is not even very slick. There is absolutely no substance to it - either in making inquiry to your inner world and outer life, or revealing either of hers. She simply puts out the bait to see if a sucker will bite. Title: cost of lessons Post by: Stan B on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to $ problems, posted by WmGo on Jan 17, 2002
My wife took the least expensive lessons in her town and they were $100/month for 3 hrs and 5 days/week. And she said there were other classes that were more expensive. And her friends in the larger cities often have to pay more, so I'd be suprised if there are many places that you can find them cheaper. Title: Cheap Post by: WmGo on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to cost of lessons, posted by Stan B on Jan 18, 2002
With an average monthly wage in Ukraine ranging from $40 to $60 in most parts of the country, it is very easy to obtain English lessons for $2 per hour. It looks like you paid even less: 3 hours per lesson times 5 days a week = 15/hrs. wk Title: Sounds like the Cambridge Courses Post by: John K on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to cost of lessons, posted by Stan B on Jan 18, 2002
My wife took a couple of them in Sevastopol. They were a waste of time. She ended up taking lessons one-on-one from a private tutor for about $50 a month. It made a lot of difference to her. Her English was manageable when she came to America. The Cambridge courses were a joke. The teachers are paid to present the materials, not to teach the students. If a student happens to learn something, it is a fortunate mistake. What's sad is one of her teachers was actually an American, and he was the worst of the bunch. He was more interested in getting a piece than teaching well... Title: Saskatchewan University Post by: Stan B on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Sounds like the Cambridge Courses, posted by John K on Jan 18, 2002
has a business and language school in Chernivtsi. And when she got her she spoke very well. And for 6o hrs per month that works out to less than a $1.70/hr., which I think is a bargain. Title: Dating for Dollars Post by: coaster881 on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
The lady I met wanted to learn better english. She told me the courses were a waste of money and the best route was to use college students studying english. Guess how much I had to give her? $30!! That's all she would take because she said she would only have to pay $1 per lesson. At $30, I can afford to get scammed. By the way... I played the poor lower-income guy on my trip. Told her I was going through a tough divorce and had very little money. I told her it would be years before I'd get on my feet again. Good way to find out what they're really interested in. She spent the whole week with me and I took her to dinner ONCE. She even tried to help pay for that. The point is... I agree with all the guys who have said real Russian women do not feel comfortable asking for money. They don't even want to accept it when it's offered. Period. Title: Re: Dating for Dollars Post by: Rags on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Dating for Dollars, posted by coaster881 on Jan 17, 2002
Sounds like you found an honest one. Good luck in your relationship. Title: I look at it this way Post by: Stan B on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
I don't feel you should pay for someones english lessons when you are still in the searching stage and especially if they ask you for it. But once you've met someone and think that they are the '1', then I think that you should pay for her lessons and to send extra $ for her and her family. I couldn't imagine how difficult it would be on the both of you if you could barely communicate. And my wife knows a few women that went that route and feels even more strongly than I about knowing english before they get here...aloha Title: PS: and don't let it get you all kinds of Post by: tim360z on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
upset or anything. Most of these scammers are so bad as to be laughable....then again, "theres a sucker born every minute." Goes with the turf. Now, here is America we have scammers that are incredibly good...they don't nail for a couple hundred. They go right for the jugular. And they are legal and have corridors full of lawyers and advisers and politicians in their pocket. No, I am not talking about Enron, although,. Anyway, in the world of scamming...these Russians are small potatoes...just move on. Title: Re: Common scam. Post by: BarryM on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
You can reply that it's not necessary for her to take English. You can always translate her letters without much problems. Secondly, It's better for her to learn English in America from native English speakers. She will never learn it properly from native Russian speakers unless they are extremely experienced linguists. This is a common scam, just like the passport scam, the airline ticket scam, and so on. Tell her that under no circumstances are you going to send her money. Don't hold your breath waiting for her to reply. -blm Title: Have you ever been....... Post by: Ryan on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Common scam., posted by BarryM on Jan 17, 2002
to the FSU area? Just interested..... Ryan Title: Not yet... n/t Post by: deatchef on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: "Just interested" - No You're Not. It's a Baiting Tactic . . . Post by: Dan on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Have you ever been......., posted by Ryan on Jan 17, 2002
Do you have any issue with what Barry said?!? If so - state it. If not, let it go and cease the adolescent baiting tactics. - Dan Title: I don't give Ryan any credibility. Post by: BarryM on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to "Just interested" - No You're ..., posted by Dan on Jan 17, 2002
I'm not going to answer any of Ryan's questions because he is a complete &sshole who is just trying to cause problems on the board. My posts directed at him are really for public consumption as a warning to the novices on the board not to take any of his spew seriously. People like Ryan should automatically have a warning label attached to every one of their posts. -blm Title: I Agree . . . Post by: Dan on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I don't give Ryan any credibility., posted by BarryM on Jan 17, 2002
For the longest time, I just ignored his drivel. Unfortunately, after his now infamous fiasco of a trip to Ukraine, he now fancies himself something of an 'expert' and his posting habits - while prolific before - are now to the point of ridiculous. Particularly given how little he actually knows. That - and his admission of regularly posting after getting high or getting drunk - and it certainly seems we've got yet another troll on the board. Credit to you Barry - for calling-out his troll-like behavior back in June of last year. I suspect that, soon enough, we'll see him go the way of the Claire's and DavidSD's and mdante's of the world. - Dan Title: Your the troll now Dan...n/t Post by: Ryan on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: Dan has forgotten more than you ever knew n/t Post by: KenC on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: Re: I Agree . . . Post by: Charles on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I Agree . . ., posted by Dan on Jan 17, 2002
Ryan should be asking for advice instead of proffering it. Keep up the heat, Dan, and maybe he'll be gone soon. Title: Re: Re: I Agree . . . Post by: Ryan on January 18, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: You guessed it Post by: MarkInTx on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
Your instincts are right. She's a scammer. Don't write her back or anything. Just move on. Weeks from now, she'll write you another letter. Then just say, I am sorry, but I do not pay money to anyone I have not met. And then don't reply again. She'll move on. She'll know that she has been pegged... Title: Re: R/W letters concerning $ problems Post by: thesearch on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
Yep, This is not a serious lady most likely. If you want to observe more about scamming - you can keep writing to her. Tell her that you have been advised by man you know who married and brought to USA a UW - to not send any money to a woman until you have met her and both people know that they are seriously interested. There is the possibility that she is legit but not likely. The scammers get a lot better than this. This is an obvious one. Title: My opinion 2 years searching one time visit.... Post by: Ryan on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
And yes some will tell you I have done everything in the book wrong but that is yet to be a big for sure.... But from my 2 year search.... The first thing you should be working on before the lesions and anything else is get her away from the agency and write separate if she is really serious she will make that happen. Then you have to make sure she is real buy following the entire steps that are always posted on this board. Then you have to meet her and then you can deal with the language issue. It is really not that big a deal this language issue. That is my opinion yes I have had a real problem with misunderstanding with the language issue and the body language but for the most part the first meet with an interpreture etc. see is there is cemistry and go from there... Title: Re: R/W letters concerning $ problems Post by: KenB on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
Drop that one like a hot potato. It has been stated over and over again that ANY SELF RESPECTING UKRAINIAN OR RUSSIAN WOMEN WOULD NEVER ASK FOR MONEY PERIOD. This one is doing so indirectly and trying to be coy about it. Indirect or direct if they ask you know right then that they're scamming. Let's see now, she is hoping you will send her money that she would not be able to earn in 6 months for two months of lessons. Makes alot of sense. Unfortunately I fear that some of the other men she most likely is writing to will fall for this. Title: Yeah! These techinques are used because Post by: tim360z on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by KenB on Jan 17, 2002
they have worked...time and again...over and over...next sucker please. Please bend over!!!And don't worry about "her", as I am sure there is some horny moroon out there right now--- running to the nearest Western Union Office and you will be amazed as this "girl" will know more about Western Union than you do. Title: Buddy, Smells like a rip-off.... Post by: tim360z on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
Plain and simple and an often used techinque. First, you get quicky hooked on the bait and now...its time for the dough. Time to reel you in, quickly before you even have a chance to think about it. Now, one could take the tack that this is genuine ( Ho, Ho, Ho)!!!...anyway, that would be alot of money for good English lessons, determinent upon just what city she lives in. But quite high anyway and probably of very dubious quality. Also, from my little experience a high-quality RW/UW will not ask for any money...period. The only possible thing she might ask you to help with MIGHT be for a few bucks to help in her communication expenses. And I am talking $10 or $20 bucks...and that will only be usually after a couple months of communication. After a couple weeks and askin' "you to be so kind as to help....". You are probably dealing with a scammer. Title: Re: R/W letters concerning $ problems Post by: SingleDad318 on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by deatchef on Jan 17, 2002
John! Dude!!!!!! 1 Word? RED FLAG!!!! ******* Your opinion is very important for me, dear John. I believe that one day we will see each other eye to eye and I want to make an impression on you (and your wallet). So, I decided to take courses of English. I made up my mind to search for help in our club, as the prices here are very reasonable. And I found out that the two month course costs 270$. I was very much upset, dear John! I want to learn English properly, as I want to make impression on you. But I have no such a lot of money! It's a pity.(cry me a freakin river) And I'm very much disappointed, I must tell you. I don't know what to do,(Righhhhhht!!!!!) I hope my letter won't be boring for you, dear. I'll be waiting for your reply, dear John. With the warmer thoughts, your Lyuba. Editors Note: In my experience with numerous letters with the word Dear, XXXXX are typically form letters and fill in the XXXXXXX with suckers name. Title: Thanks all for the insight N/T Post by: deatchef on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM Title: LOL These are good,,,,,I think we have all seen some Post by: Ryan on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by SingleDad318 on Jan 17, 2002
of these things. My Dearest XXXXXX (Love that one after two letters) My thinking is that the good ones will keep it at just friend and not talk the love carp. I have two like this now we only talk as friends and just chit chat etc. Yes we love to get each others letters and we want to meet each other as soon as possible for the most part friends is the place to be. "In my opinion..." Title: Re: Re: R/W letters concerning $ problems Post by: hockeybrain on January 17, 2002, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: R/W letters concerning $ problems, posted by SingleDad318 on Jan 17, 2002
I could not have written it any better. |