Of all mail order brides, Russian brides are the most popular.

However, you need to keep an eye out for scams, as they exist in this market by the bushel. It is true that people turn to the Internet for many reasons, one of which is to find love. Online dating consultants and mail order brides are everywhere on the net.

But how do you know that you are being hoodwinked?

You might try looking for the obvious signs. If you can identify any of them in your situation then you are probably being scammed!

Firstly, think about the picture of the Russian bride. Does it look professional?  Does it look 'slick'? This is the first warning sign.  A true Russian bride does not have her photo professionally done.  

Second, try and   look at their income and guess their personality. If the photo says one thing to you and the info listed says a completely different thing, then you may be in for a scam.     

Let's say you write to a Russian girl and you start to get a good response.  Next you should ask her to take a picture of herself in front of a typical Russian monument, like the Kremlin or maybe in her kitchen or in some typically Russian place.  You might be able to trap the person early one by simply asking for many such pictures. If the woman is using pictures of a model, or someone else, she  may forget what she sent you originally  and then you can call them out on any contradictions. You cannot take a photo of yourself in front of Lenin's monument if you are not in Russia after all !  

Now look at her letters.  Is your name found in a few places where anyone's name could be inserted?   Content-wise;  if you are never asked about your life, or family, or the area  you live in  then they aren't interested in really meeting with you and getting to know you. You might try writing something very personal, like that your dog died or that you were in an accident today, and if they do not respond to this in a personal way, then they are a scam.

Russian Brides can be a scam in some cases so you really must be on guard and aware of this possibility.  On the other hand, if you find a lovely Russian bride who you end up marrying, then you have been vigilant and it has paid off big time for you. It's always a possibility!