How to Avoid Mail Order Bride Scams | Law Expert Julie M. Hill

Dating platform is a very popular place to seek serious relationships. Unfortunately, it is also a very popular place for scammers and frauds. Gullible, naive, or simply inexperienced people use online dating and get scammed all the time!

As a legal expert who’s spent years dealing with marriage fraud, I’ve seen countless cases where American men fall for foreign women, only to end up heartbroken or scammed. If you want to ensure that your online dating experience is safe, legit, and enjoyable, you will find this article highly useful and informative. Join the world of online dating and find trustworthy and scam-free mail order brides sites with us!

What are dating sites scams?

A mail order bride scams are practice to get your money or personal information online. There are a few types of scams that you can find on mail order brides platforms.

First, the whole site could be fake. A fake site would collect your information, try to steal your money and credit card data, or even upload some malware and spyware on your computer.

Second, you may use a proper online dating site and simply communicate with a scammer. Despite verification processes, scammers can create accounts and fake their personalities to fool people. Very often, scammers try to lure you either to another mail order bride website where your information could be gathered, or simply use social media to continue communication there. So, it is very clear that if you have serious intentions of finding true love online, it is paramount to avoid fake international dating sites and scammers.

Statistics on mail order brides scams

According to statistics, all too many people have been a part of this love story that never ends happily ever after. In 2019, there were more than 25,000 reports about romance scams in the United States alone. Moreover, according to FBI statistics, romance scam were the second most reported crime in 2019. Therefore, it is possible to see that the issue is exceptionally severe.

It is essential to note that apart from being disappointed in learning that your potential bride or date is fake, people lose a lot of money to scammers. For example, in 2019, more than $200 million were lost due to scammers online. With the rise of online dating, the amount of money that was lost was 6 times higher than in 2015! Thus, seeing how many people are getting scammed every single day, it is important to learn what to do to ensure

Examples of mail order brides scams

There are many types of forms of mail order bride scams and fraud. However, we would like to offer you 3 of the most common examples that most online dating scammers use.

Money problems

For instance, you meet a foreign woman online. She is smart, easy-going, beautiful, and open to communication. You have a special connection, and you enjoy your time with her. However, she has some financial issues. It can be surgery or other medical expenses, a gambling debt, or some family problems that can only be solved with a few thousand of dollars. She won’t ask you for money right away. But if you see that your mail order brides hints to you that she needs some financial help, 9 out of 10 she is a scammer.

Firstly, it is usually forbidden by the site’s policy for women to ask men for money. Secondly, a girl wouldn’t use a mail order bride service if she really needs financial help. So, if you see that your date asks you for money, don’t help her right away. Ask for proof. If the situation is severe, your date would send you every single document and piece of evidence right away. But if she is a scammer, it would require her some time to fabricate them!

Get a plane ticket

Online communication often ends in real-life meetings. And sometimes, romance scammers can ask you for money for plane tickets. First of all, you can buy a plane ticket for your bride. Also, the most legit and effective mail order bride platforms can help you organize an in-person meeting. So, if your bride wants to see you in person, you can ask the site’s administration to set everything up!

They ask you to buy something for them

Very often, a scammer doesn’t care about your personal information. All they care about is getting your credit card data. And to get such information, they either need to lure you to a fake mail order bride site or to some other dating website. Sometimes, fake foreign brides can ask you to buy them something. And while it is rather common for girls to want to get some presents or flowers, you should always check the site that you use. Often, scammers give you direct links to some online dating sites that pretend to be some major sites like Amazon or eBay and steal your credit card information.

How to avoid mail order bride scam?

Falling for a mail order bride scam can cost you thousands of dollars and a broken heart. As a legal expert who’s dealt with countless fraud cases, I’ve seen the tricks scammers use. Here’s how to stay safe:

Verify Their Identity.

Always video chat before sending money or making plans. Scammers often use fake photos or avoid calls. Use reverse image search tools like Google Images to check if their pictures are stolen. If they dodge video calls or give excuses, it’s a red flag.

Never Send Money.

If someone asks for cash for visas, travel, or emergencies, don’t pay. Legit women won’t ask for money before meeting. I’ve had clients lose $5,000–$20,000 to “travel scams” where the woman never shows up. If they need help, offer to buy tickets directly through an airline.

Meet in Person First.

USCIS requires you to meet your fiancé(e) in person within two years for a K-1 visa, but it’s also a scam buster. Travel to their country to confirm they’re real. One client of mine, John from Texas, flew to Ukraine only to find his “bride” was a fake profile run by a scam ring.

Watch for Red Flags.

Be wary if they rush the relationship, avoid personal details, or have inconsistent stories. Scammers often push for quick engagements or claim sudden crises. If their English suddenly improves or they reuse phrases, they might be using scripts.

Check Agency Credentials.

Use only reputable agencies with clear contact info and physical offices. Scammers hide behind fake websites. Research the agency’s history, read reviews, and avoid any that pressure you to pay upfront for “guaranteed” matches.

Real legal cases from my work

Over the years, I’ve handled cases that show just how messy marriage fraud can get. Here are a few examples from my files (names changed for privacy):

Case 1: The Vanishing Bride

John, a 45-year-old from Texas, met Elena online through a dating site. She was a 28-year-old from Russia who seemed perfect—sweet, attentive, and eager to move to the U.S. After two trips to Moscow, John married her and filed for a CR-1 visa. Everything seemed fine until Elena got her green card and disappeared a month later. Turns out, she was working with a “marriage agency” that paired her with John for $15,000. I helped John report the fraud to USCIS, but Elena was long gone, likely onto her next target. This case showed me how organized these scams can be.

Case 2: The VAWA Loophole

Mike, a 50-year-old from Oklahoma, married Ana from Colombia after a whirlwind romance. A year into the marriage, Ana filed a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petition, claiming Mike abused her. This let her self-petition for a green card without Mike’s involvement. Problem? Mike swears the abuse claims were fabricated. I worked with him to gather evidence—like texts and witness statements—showing Ana planned to leave after getting her green card. Sadly, VAWA’s protections make it hard to challenge these claims, and Mike lost his case. This one still stings.

Case 3: The Fake Love Story

Tom, a 38-year-old from Boston, thought he’d found love with Maria from the Philippines. They married after a year of online dating and one visit. During their USCIS interview, the officer noticed Maria couldn’t answer basic questions about Tom’s life, like his job or hobbies. Turns out, Maria was coached by a scam ring to memorize just enough to pass but slipped up. I helped Tom annul the marriage, and Maria faced deportation. This case proved how USCIS’s tough interviews can catch fraud if you’re not careful.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

Realizing you’ve been scammed is gut-wrenching, but you can take steps to fight back. Here’s my advice from years of helping clients recover:

Report to Authorities:

File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and your local police. Include all evidence—emails, chats, bank records. I helped a client, Steve, recover $3,000 of $12,000 he lost by reporting it quickly. The sooner you act, the better your chances.

Contact Your Bank:

If you sent money via wire transfer or credit card, call your bank immediately. Some banks can reverse charges if you act within 60 days. I’ve seen clients get back partial refunds this way, though it’s not guaranteed.

Alert USCIS:

If you suspect marriage fraud, report it to USCIS. They can investigate and potentially revoke visas if the scam is proven. In one case, I helped a client flag a fake marriage before the green card was finalized, saving him from further legal trouble.

Hire a Lawyer:

A lawyer can help you pursue legal action or annul a fraudulent marriage. I’ve worked with clients to void marriages when the spouse used fake documents or lied about their identity. It’s not cheap—legal fees can hit $5,000–$10,000—but it can protect your future.

Learn and Move On:

Scams hurt, but don’t let them stop you from finding love. Use what you’ve learned to spot red flags next time. One client, Paul, got scammed twice but found a genuine partner after working with me to vet his next relationship carefully.

Recovery isn’t easy, but taking action can limit the damage and help you move forward.

How to choose trusted mail order bride websites?

Picking the right website is key to avoiding scams and finding a genuine connection. Here’s my advice on finding platforms you can trust:

Look for Transparent Pricing.

Trusted sites like UkraineBrides4You or LatiDate list clear costs for chats, emails, or gifts. Avoid sites with hidden fees or those that push you to buy expensive packages. Check their refund policies too—legit platforms have them.

Read Real User Reviews.

Dig into reviews on independent sites like Trustpilot or SiteJabber. Look for detailed feedback about user experiences, not just star ratings. Scammy sites often have fake glowing reviews or no reviews at all. I’ve seen clients burned by sites with polished designs but zero credibility.

Check Security Features.

A legit website uses SSL encryption (look for “https” in the URL) and verifies user profiles. Sites like SofiaDate require ID checks for women, which cuts down on fake profiles. If a site lets anyone sign up without verification, steer clear.

Research the Company.

Legit platforms have a real company behind them, with an address and contact info. Check their About page or use WHOIS to see who owns the domain. Fly-by-night sites often hide this info or use anonymous hosting.

Test Customer Support.

Send a question to their support team before signing up. Trusted sites respond quickly and professionally. If you get no reply or a vague answer, it’s a bad sign.

Conclusion

There are much mail order bride scams. As someone who’s seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, I can’t stress enough: do your homework, trust your gut, and never rush into a marriage without meeting in person. Take your time, and you will understand how to avoid getting scammed online!