England World Cup fans told: Don’t Russian into marriage
Warning over fake brides’ cash scam
ENGLAND fans going to the World Cup are being warned not to fall for the foul play of fake Russian brides.
An army of seductive women, often working with gangs, will have registered with agencies and be expecting rich pickings in one of the world’s marriage scam capitals.
After hooking victims, they use tried and tested tricks to extort cash.
The Foreign Office advises: “Take care if you are using a dating service.
“A number of British nationals have been the victims of fraud. Be wary of sending money via untraceable transfer services. [People] have lost money by sending money to an unknown recipient without checking they were genuine.”
Gangs are sending millions of spam emails offering brides hoping to marry Westerners – and any foolish enough to reply are asked to start paying immediately. Typically, girls send a picture and begin by asking for a bit of cash for things like postage or letter translation.
After a few weeks, they invite victims for visits. But the suitor is expected to pay for the girl to travel to meet him, plus hotel and restaurant fees and a translator.
If men agree to wed, the real con begins with requests for large sums to sort immigration issues.
Meanwhile, fans are also urged to get proper insurance and plan trips well.
Football Supporters’ Federation chief Kevin Miles urged them to check the Government’s Be on the Ball advice service.
He added: “Going overseas requires a bit more planning.” The tournament runs from June 14 to July 15 across 11 venues, including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi.
A number of British nationals have been the victims of fraud FOREIGN OFFICE ON DANGER OF FAKE BRIDES