Theres a saying "It is an equal failure to trust everybody, than to trust nobody at all"
Men who are serious about this owe to it themselves to investigate "whether a woman on the internet is real or not" nad it has to be done is a subtle unobtrusive way.
So what if a Western man hires a private detective in Russia to do investigation and surveillance on his "Russian prospective bride to be" before making the trip, Annika to see her.
He does have a lot of money, not to mention emotions to protect.
There are some rotten men out there looking for you girls, Annika but at the same token there a lot of decent men with honest intentions who do not deserve to be ripped off or scammed by dishonest individuals or agencies.
I don't owe myself anything, it is easy enough to detect in letters if a woman is real or not.
In a relationship there should be 100% honesty, when one subsequently marries a lady and she asks 'Why did you choose me?, An honest man, not a deceitful man, would have to admit to the private detective crap. Next comes the mistrust, from the lady, and the subsequent divorce.
I spent 2 months in St.P and Moscow last year as part of jaunt through Europe. I met a nice lady through a web site at very short notice and we had a fling for 6 weeks. I also met several others. Not once was I in need of a 'how-to' book. It is easy for paranoia to set in, especially when you don't have the time to spend, as I did, making contacts.
By all means get some basic info but trust your own judgement. You can overdo the 'can I trust you' bit and end up driving the poor girl away, who could be pretty offended if you suggest, either in word or deed, that she might not be bona fide.
I think you can tell tell from letters and phone calls if someone is genuine or not. And if they are not, or they turn out not to be what you expected, have a plan B, even if it's only a list of agencies in the area.
Aussieman, how many foreign women have you married? I noticed you referred to your "first foreign wife". What about your local girl? Does she know you are looking at Russian women sites? You said you gave up on RW. I'm here because I'm looking for a lady and any tips on making it happen. When I find one, I will no longer need be here! What's your story? If you are happy with your local girl, why are you here? Don't mean to pry mate, just interested, that's all.
The Wongs,
I'm already married, and happy, but I'm here also!
In the main, as you put it, because it became your/my favourite soap recently with that idiot Vanechka. I work from home, on the internet, and a bit of comic relief during the course of my day helps it pass.
I'm not here because I'm looking for a woman but then I'm not here, as some are it seems, to deter others either, I'm just hanging out, having some fun, whilst offering the ocassional constructive post.