Russian Anti-Scam Lawyer in Moscow

Romance scams targeting foreigners on the Net - especially men, although both sexes can experience this - are increasingly common in Russia. Scammers, often posing online as attractive women, quickly build emotional connections and then ask for money under false pretenses - passports, visas, or emergency situations. Showing fake documents isn’t a problem for them either.

Such fraudsters typically mirror the victim’s interests and lovebomb him to cloud his judgment. Criminals take advantage of the fact Russian banks are currently sanctioned - and indeed, it’s now practically impossible to receive funds from Europe or North America through banks. Accordingly, they ask to make the transfer using more complex methods: through “relatives” in a neighboring country or to a crypto wallet.

Common Lies Con Artists Tell:

• Travel documents: They ask about $400–$1,000 for a passport or visa that costs much less - the beauty promises to meet with you in your country.
• Family emergencies: Fake illnesses or medical bills involving relatives.
• Airport issues: Sudden fines, debts, or arrests that require urgent payment. Favorite pretext: your loved one has been arrested and fined for transporting an antique icon or other expensive item.
• Loans and mortgage: You may be asked for money to cover fines, debts, mortgage or fees that are supposedly preventing her from leaving Russia.
• Frozen account: The bank blocked your girlfriend’s account as soon as she tried to transfer money back to you. Or as soon as she received money from you.
• Military conscription: Your love interest is supposedly to be drafted into the army, and in order to avoid this, you should pay. Even girls use this excuse, although they’re not subject to conscription.

If suspicion arises, con women may fake an arrest - or even their own death - to escape scrutiny. They also often say they live in the disputed territories of Russia and Ukraine - this makes it easier to substantiate their story and "cover their tracks" if necessary.

🚩 Red Flags:

• Relationship progresses too fast.
• Consistent money requests.
• Consistent money requests.
• Excuses to avoid meeting in real life.
• Photos that appear in reverse image searches under another name.
• Your friend refers to the fact they have an aunt or uncle in Georgia, Armenia or Kazakhstan who can transfer money to her.

What You Can Do:

• Ideally, don’t send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• If you ultimately decided to send funds to your online friend, ask her for her internal passport (Russian internal ID) and download other documents/photos she sent you - we will check her.
• Keep records of any transactions.
• Report the crime to the authorities if you fell prey to deception. You may be embarrassed, but a proper report can help stop the scammer and possibly recover your money. Should this happen, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.