Does this make any sense or have I come across a scammer? Would a Latvian woman have an Estonian bank account "so it is accepted"? She has yet to give me her bank info, just that it is in Estonia. She is asking for money to help pay for visa and travel expenses. I have been in communication with her for over a month. She has asked for money before, but I was able to postpone it with out much of a fuss. She has a "friend" who can help. I was not suspicious until this latest email from her.
Very quickly, this thread will be filled with the same sentiment.
NEVER SEND MONEY!
The only exception I will state to this is IF you have already gone over to see her at least once (and likely more than that). Unless there are special circumstances, and depending on the nature of what you wish to send, a respectful women will refuse it, anyway.
I will also restate what will also be repeated over and over. It is VERY unlikely that she can apply for a tourist visa AND be approved. The primary reason is that they will want a reasonable assurance that she will return to her home country. If she is from a successfull family, again, she won't need your money to visit.
Until you have gone their yourself and gotten to know her face to face, you really don't have enough to build a relationship of trust. If YOU go there, she will know you are serious about her. You may not know how much trust you can give her until after your married, and maybe not even then. However, is that much different from a standard western marriage?
I am totally agree. screw her with her bank account. she should borrow money to get to you. or you travel to meet her. using somebody else bank account is not a strange think there, even in USA. some people DO NOT HAVE bank accounts. but I would not send money if I care about them. if I do not I would send it and if she disappeared I would knew 100% she is a scammer:) spend this money for your own travel.
Thanks everyone, I get the idea do not send money!!! I have a feeling it is a scam for sure now as she is avoiding 2 questions that I asked and now all of her messages have PS at the end which is a warning sign that her emails are pregenerated... does anyone know of Tamara Sergeeva from Riga, Latvia? I have searched a few black lists, but not found her in them so far.
I just thought I'll give you a different opinion, and your dough is not mine anyway.
Scottie,
Although I agree with the general consensus of all of the above I'd like to point out that there's another possible exception on the rule.
You say "a respectful women will refuse it", and I fully agree. Thus, sending some anyway makes for a damn good way of testing the waters if you're not entirely convinced about her yet, that is before you'll commit yourself to go for a visit.
And that, Oleg, is somewhat similar to what you say by 'spending it on one's own travel', sound advice so btw.
Some money plainly sent, for whatever well-meant reason you can think of, will convince you of her reactions - which might save a lot (in all senses) compared to going over and finding out.
It's a lot better than dropping out because you're unsure, and also better than to go 'because you assumed' - the latter word has potentially nasty multiple meanings.
A friendlier way of finding out I'd like to hear about.
Sending even the smallest amount of money will only serve to convince the scammers that the "stupid western men factories" are working at full capacity to secure their line of work.
But you underestimate me a bit (an understatement in itself) if you think I'll sponsor that industry you refer to. Just keep in mind that surprising methods may produce unexpected results, and I'll tell you one thing - you'll learn things no schooling fee can buy.