I don't think I strayed far from common sense on my trip to Zaporozhye. I read, googled and watched shows on the Discovery channel and as much as I could, and even bought Elena's book for $49.95. I did not think of googling "scams" and didn't see scams as a big possibility because I didn't know any better. I did not know the existence of forums like this.
I do agree with the title of this thread. But, don't blame Jamie for not being prepared. If he knew the large scale of scamming there was, I am sure he would have.
"A good plan executed today is better than a great plan executed tomorrow."
Your particular circumstance is not perhaps of many an example whereas a barbie doll is declaring her love for some old codger in letters and he travels there without it even crossing his mind that something may be 'suspect' :)
Google is a wonderful tool, years ago on forums, particularly, Americans talked of paying lawyers to check out ladies, there are these (supposed) FSU detectives that claim to do something similar, the 'deliver a bunch of flowers' is as old as the ark and all the ladies know that if flowers arrive then they are being 'checked out', but google is confidential between one and one's keyboard and it's free!
Good point, but my point is you can't google something that you think is a remote possibility. How many Americans do this (or wherever you are)? Sure it is done, but in a different way and not as extensive.
Always, whenever I spend something, I expect nothing in return. Also, I do have a comfort level in the amount of money I spend on a relationship that might not turn out. Always, I don't expect a relationship where it cannot work. And, you cannot know that it will work until you meet her. No matter how much love she describes about you, it cannot exist without meeting her.
I took my lessons the hard way on my first two visits. I followed these rules on my last visit, and I believe I have succeeded.