Visa Scam at US Embassy in Moscow

[ChuckRM]

Speaking of Scams, the Moscow Times has a story - "Visa Agency Leaves Trail of Tears" - about a fraudulent company that promised Russians visas to the U.S., regardless of past refusals.  Apparently, they were handing out pamplets and soliciting business right at the door of the embassy.  This outfit was called the "Floyd Center."  Some people got taken for more than $1,000.  

The article quotes a Russian police official who faults the Embassy staff for not doing "more to stop a company working in front of its building."  There is a letter from a Canadian in the current issue - "Following Trail of Tears to the Embassy's Door" - that makes the same point and suggests that the Canadian Embassy may be subject to similar visa scams.

The article ran on Thursday, but there is a link to it with the letter.

The Moscow Times website:   www.themoscowtimes.com

[Mike]

... in response to Visa Scam at US Embassy in Moscow, posted by ChuckRM on Apr 20, 2002

If you're a RM wanting to come here he might as well forget it unless he is educated in a needed occupation here, and even then it's a long procedure and a lot of luck, and he had better be able to prove that he really doesn't need to be here, as if he's doing the states a favor. I really wish there was a system in place that allowed RM to come here for 6 month work visa's as they would be able to aid in the need for GOOD employees in some of the lower paying jobs.

As for women they have it even harder. The ones that are educated typically are educated in fields of study that aren't in high demand, or are not at U.S. standards. These women have no options other then to find an American man to use and most will not even consider using this route through agencies as it is viewed ( at least among the educated class in Moscow) as degrading,humiliating, and face the ridicule of their friends if they take this route.
Agencies there are viewed as a place where the women who use them are pathetic and pride stops most of them. Those women that do use agencies either have no more hope and are desperate, or are the dregs of society.( not all but enough to make most of this true)

My wife was telling me just last night that there are thousands of good women in Moscow but none of them will use an agency because of pride, or other reasons,and the majority have no easy access to the internet as some people think, ( at least nothing that is even close to as easy as we have it) but many of these high quality ladies at one time or another have wished they could better their life standards by coming here and have no options. The State department knows once they come here for a visit an American man will swoop them up quickly and they are more likely then not to end up immigrating.

For you men who are searching for a good lady I suggest highly to seek out a girl by going there and just be yourself. Meeting ladies on your own is no problem in Moscow as most speak English anyway or at least understand it. There was something about my wife that separated her from the many ladies I met by myself, but I swear all of them blew AW out of the water as far as what a man looks for in a good women, and none have or would ever consider an agency. If a man can't meet a nice girl in Moscow on his own then I pity the one that takes him through an agency because chances are there is something very wrong with him. ( actually I pity them both)

Mike

[Oatmeal]

... in response to Visa are wanted but there are few option..., posted by Mike on Apr 21, 2002

Kind of makes you think that the INS has set up such stringent rules to come here otherwise nearly every single Russian lady who came here would easily get married, not to mention ladies from other parts of the world and then there would be a big immigration problem.

Maybe they set up so many obsticles so that only the really serious men and women will be able to immigrate to the US.

Still it is a pain in the rear to jump through so many hoops.

[tfcrew]

... in response to Visa are wanted but there are few option..., posted by Mike on Apr 21, 2002

Mike, I've studied your post. I'm not quite sure if it is all generally correct. I have never been to Moscow.
What concerns me, is the possibility of obtaining a visa for my   son in law. Even though by marriage, and that he has a father, this is still considered a family affair by our Russian counterparts. His mother thinks she must be a US citizen to petition a visa. From what I have read, we can both "sponser" a visitor just like we are. He is a professional computer programist. What he is "payed", we have no idea. Further thoughts from yourself and others are appreciated. I will see him in Odessa next month.
Karl

[Mike]

... in response to Clarification or Qualification?, posted by tfcrew on Apr 21, 2002

Karl,
from what I've read every country has different loop wholes and procedures when getting visa's. I'm just guessing here but I would think the main thing the Embassy wants to see is evidence that will (without question) leave them sure that he will return. They like to see him leaving behind property, assets, a wife, a good job, and if he's ever been to other western countries and returned is good also.All you can really do is what is needed on your end and let things happen. (letter saying you'll promise his return and he will be taken care of and what ever else the embassy requires that you'll be dealing with) I know in Russia a male between the ages of 18 and 45 must fill out a special document in addition to the one that others fill out when applying for a visiters visa (and I don't know what it is).
Sorry I couldn't be more specific.
Mike