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Black List - page 41: UPDATES
November 8, 2001 - page 1

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Elena Mnushko (St Petersburg, Russia)

Gentlemen 

Here's another one to watch out for. She goes by then name of Elena Mnushko, or at least that's what she called herself with me. She gave me an address of RUSSIA,St.Petersburg,194100,1-Murinski pr.15-16 and a phone # 07 812 2456704. Without including all the lengthy emails I got, I'll just list the typical visa/travel scam red flags: 

  • Has a phone but doesn't work - "out of order due to repairs" 
  • Moved very quickly in progress of her letters
  • Each email had pictures attached, whether I asked for them or not 
  • The money request mail had 2 rather spicy photos attached 
  • Claimed to be poor, but could send professional photos because her "father" is a photographer 
  • Said her family lost all money in some Russian bank crash a few years ago
  • Her "mother" works at a travel agency and get get visas and incredible air fares 
  • Urgency - I have to send money quick because she is about to have her vacation from work 
  • Sending money on my part would be a sign of "trust" 

Luckily, I balked and refused to send money. I even offered to pay her for her  ticket, once she got here to Barclona, but of course, that was refused by her, at which time she sent me a rather terse email saying she doesn't want "penpals" and can't wait for me anymore.. Not much different than the other scams I've read about.. 

SRP 

Barcelona 

Emails that she have sent me. If you take as look at them you will see all the red flags I mentioned in my previous letter to you. If you want more pictures of her (last time I only sent 4 for an example) I have all the 22 pics she sent over the course of these 7 emails. Yep - 22!! Also note that the last email (#7) is from her "mom" so actually I got 22 pics ove 6 emails over a span of just 1 week!! 

Email #1 (8/3/2001) 

Hello,Steve! 

My name is Elena,but my nickname on site-elenabest. I was glad to receive your answer to my add. I'm single,without children yet,but I hope to find my future by net...I try to believe in net,cause one of my best friends just found by this way her husband,it was about 2 years ago,and she lives now in Italy and really happy. And now I decided to try,I don't like to know man on disco,bar or street and in my around mostly girls,but internet can give me big possobility to choise person,who is really ideal for me.May be is it you? Now I tell some general information about me,so if you  continue interest I wait your big letter and,of course,scan picture of you too,I'm not looking for penpals,so prefer answer with your photo. I'm 25y.o.,my birthday 21 of September,enouth tall-170cm and athletic girl.I'm from Russia,one of the biggest city-Saint-Petersburg.I live together with my parents yet.And I have not brothers or sisters. We're very closed with my parents and they take care about me and help me always.I have University degree,art design education,I finished my University 1 year ago,my job is a designer.I work by my specialisation in a privat fabrice,which produce fashion clothers.And also in my free time I paint ,even take part in some excibitions of young painters-designers here and try to sell my models of dress like artist.I like sport and like to visit gym in my free time. Also I like traveling,for me interesting new countries,cultures,people.I'm honest,sincere,kind,intelligent,pretty and sweet,with sense of humor.I like art,sport,walks,nature,music,reading,cooking of a different countries. I'd like to meet honest,sincere,open-minded,easy-going,intelligent,like travelling and have own opinion always.Also I not believe in long post for nothing and sure what only our meeting show us about our future.I began this new experience for me by net now,cause soon,in August I'll have some holidays by my work and have possibility to meet my destiny in reallity,so write me only if this is interest and possible for you too...I'm interest only in serious family-oriented man,not penpals and adventure!!! I hope I've peaked your interest and you'll write me back! You could send me letter by my email 

Email #2 (8/4/2001) 

Hi,dear Steve! 

I was very glad to receive your letter,today I have more time and will be glad to send you long answer! I looked your pictures also(wow-good portret!) and I think you could be really intelligent,smart and interesting man for me! I guess about your interest to my life,dreams and opinions,so I'll tell you some about me .I try open some my soul for you.I am an optimist with common sense and the feeling of reality. I try to keep a hope for the better in all life situations. I am cheerful, faithful, honest but still a little bit ingenuous. I think even I don't have bad habits. I like stability and hate uncertaintly. I will reckon with the views and freedom of my partner. I am a social active person, that's why I have a lot of friends and like to meet the new people. I like to spend my free time in the company of my friends or close to the beauty: it can be nature, art, music, etc. Sometimes I like to stay alone to "dive" into my soul and think about the Being. I can't imagine myself without art & music or without a book. If I  have an inspiration I cook some delicious dishes.From time to time I like to expiriment with the dishes of other nations. One of my oldest hobbies as a well as drawing is dancing. It's my weakness, there areonly a few things more beautiful than dances. As for the goals in life, I can say that I want myself and want to realize myself as a personality. I want to be a good friend, good wife, good mother . The most important thing about relations between a man and woman is that they must have equal rights. It means that there mustn't be any reasons to say "I am a man and you are a woman". At the same time this relations must have some signs of romance. To my mind the last depends on both partners. If it is love it must be based on trust and respect. Without respect love means nothing. I think the reason to build a family is that two people feel better together than alone. Certainly they must be convinced that they love not only good qualities of the character of their partner, but also understand the weaknesses. They must share happy and unhappy life moments. They must love each other, respect, appreciate, understand, trust and support each other. It's a pity there's too little space to tell everything I want to. So you can try to read my life book to the end. I was born 21 of September,1975,my astrological sighn is virgo.My job is a fashion designer for clothers. Now tell you exactly about my work,cause you right this is very important to know in advance! I have a high University art education(I studied 6 years,we finish our school here in 16 y.o.,so since 16,5 I was in University),specialize in fashion design. About 1 year I work on privat fabrice,one of the famous in our city and design some new models of women's clothers,my work not far away from my home.And I love my job for creativity! But also I love art and paint.I like paint models of dress and if mood some nature or people even! I like reading,espessially classic and science books and magazins. I like movies ,espessially films with good quality. I like sport too -swimming and diving,tennis,camping,fishing,biking. I very like music( classic and modern too),theatre,art(more classic painting),dancing,nature,astrology,travelling-I try travel a lot.After big economic crises of our country our family lost most of capital and now we limit our expensivses for trips,but even now we continue too,especially cause in forces of my mom to book enouth economic trips,I spent with my family nice time in some europian countries,USA,some arabic countries and some hot islands.I more like for rest countries with interesting history or hot islands with beautiful beaches. About my family.My father is journalist for one of famous newspaper and in free time he enjoy of photography(all my pics,which is a mine portfolion too, made by him!) .My mother is a main economist for a big travelling company and she is very busy always.We have also a dog by name Dollar,I love pets! What about me... I'm single yet ,but now I begin to think about my own family. And I'd like really good life for my future family,but unfortunatly this is impossible in Russia now,if you are not crimenal person,we have very stranch sistem and politic. So I wouldn't like stay here.I have good looking,perfect education and international profession,dream to have happy family and big heart,so I'd like to find second half of my heart abroad. And agensy is a good opportunity for search right person. I hope you will share my opinion and understand me. I could love person easy and this feeling independ from country or account,this is depend only from my heart. I prefer to find a person special for me, to share with him our moods,interests and soul .I'd like to meet person who is romantic,kind,loving,caring,generous,honest,sensual,understanding,who want have child in future.So adaptation in new country-it's not problem.I only would like to meet my really love! I'm from strong good family and I'm serious ,so I'm not looking for adventure I'm looking for love and ideal partner for marriage.May be is it you?What are you looking for in internet?What do you think about opportunity of our meeting to know each others?I have not experience in internet ,but my girlfriend before found husband just tryed experience to long internet exchange of letters and after time a meeting show her how some man have not interest in love and long relation but only one way single opinion..... long illusion of love finished in nothing ..... and so difficult to start again and remake all new feelings. Of course,who come in Russia can see many beautiful girls and have idea to keep 1 per day in a week but this is not my expectation. Know all this I prefer to understand immediately if man can be serious and able to value me in a serious relation and expecially I don't accept competition with other russian girls.Write me soon. 

PS: shall we meet?sorry for hurry,but I can have my summer vacation only now( August) and untill next one long time untill winter,so I wouldn't like lost a time only for penpals!Will you have some free time during next weeks? Can you invite me in your place to know each other(this is could show me how you are serious about too)?Let me know about you. Bye. Elena I wait your answer by this email, I have not my own computer,but fortunatly for wriiting letters to you I use mother's computer-notebook,which she takes at home from work enouth often,so we could keep in touch with you!  

Email #3 (8/5/2001) 

Dear Steve! 

I was very glad to receive your answer to me again.Today I'm lucky,cause I have possibility to use computer of mother enouth long time.Even I use not mine computer, and internet connections are enouth expensive here,but anyway I try to communicate with you enouth quik and often and tell as more as possible about my personality in letters,but I think we should decide to meet ,so we will have more time for speaking and deciding finally about us!When I'm writting to you I not use some translator sistem and I think I have enouth good English,so I can also give you my phone number for communication -07 812 2456704-but unfortunatly our phone not works perfect just now,cause we have one problem this period - govermant now remake telephone lines in our district,so phone not works well yet.Also I could give you my post address if you are interesting: RUSSIA,St.Petersburg,194100,1-Murinski pr.15-16, Mnushko Elena. But about our life conversation,if we decide seriously about our meeting I'll try to call you myself from mother's office(probably it could be free for me even) ,so you should sent me your phone number,ok?For me even enouth stranch what we know each other through cyberspace,but I believe in this sistem anyway,because I have positive example-my best girlfriend found her desteny throw internet and now happy married and lives in Italy,Milan.I could be really happy if we too have possobility of our meeting!Are you agree? And just before this I always glad to tell more about me for you what you could decide would you like meet me or not.I live in Russian Federation,big city-St.Petersburg,our climat not so good,cause always claudy,ofter rain or wet weather,also enouth cold often,but same time one good thing-during all summer we have white nights,this mean during nights so light like this is during day!My job is designer, like creativity of my job! But also main part of my life-some painting in free time.I even take part in some ecsibitions of young fashion designers here and some of my works possible to book in our fabrick"New generation".I paint mostly models of dress,it is very interesting for me-to express my feeling or mood throw real subjects...But when I have vacations or free time my passion is traveling,yes,it interesting for me to see other countries and culture.I've travelled with mother and father,like tourist inside a group and it was special tours, mostly by Europe and some hot places-Spain,Tenerife,Egipet,Greece- for see and beach.But also 2 years ago my mother was a winner like"best touroperator" and she win a tour for 2 person to USA for 1 week like a present. So she was so kind and took me,we have been in USA together,in New York and Chicago.I liked this country,because I think very cosmopolitan.Also I know Italy very well,my best girlfriend married there and she took me in Pisa,Roma,Padova,Verona,Venice,Milano,Florance,Bolonia. And this country is very interesting for me too.Last vacation ,during this summer it was tour with group and my parents -Spain, Andorra and South of France. I simply loved it! Fantastic Barcelona...with it's Antonio Gaudi's modernistic buildings and the Sagrada Familia Cathedral - so amazingly, astonishingly beautiful, so unlike anything I've ever seen before... France - Middle Ages, castles, tiny villages, toy houses, coffee and croissants... Andorra - the amazing, lost in the mountains place, a fairy tale, with people in the streets looking like actors in some play and the feeling that you're a part of it, too... And those Spanish nights - some Joaquin Cortez look-alikes doing the flamenco, fantastic guitar players, music so filled with romance and tenderness it just carries you away to some strange and exciting adventures...And this april me and my family have been in Sharm el Sheih,Egypt,for 1 week,I liked very much too all those arabic exotic...Yes,travelling is one of my passion,fortunatly I had this possibility in my life and hope we will travell with my husband too! ...Try to explaine you some very important aspects of my life,soul,and more...I'm also could tell you about my privacy,may be this is helps you understand my personality better.I'm enouth femine,I think I more strong or oldtraditional than Europian or US girls,this is nice for happy family,but bad for adventure.I prefer honest relations and share all only with my husband.In my life I had only one boyfriend and I was engaged since 18 y.o.here with him,we were going to marriage after we full finished our education,but,unfortunatly my boyfriend was not faith with me,so I took decision and we separeted about one year ago,I was very sad long time and would not like even meet nobody,but life is life and I hope to meet my destiny again. I believe what happy marriage must basic on love,friendship,respect and faith,of course.I'm very egoistic person in my relations,so very faithful person and when I found my love I wouldn't like to share him with somebody elso too... Are you agree with me?What about me also-I was interest in my study,work,some carier and sucsess before,and now I think this is time for looking for love,but not only love -serious relations and marriage too.I believe what you understood my position in those question and tell me your position in next letter. I hope as soon as I'll receive your next letter we will be able take some decision about our meeting soonest time(I mean not later than in this mounth- August),I won't wait untill next vacation in winter-so long time!,I know how complicated trip to Russia and I even happy what you invited me to your place in Spain and even be happy if you a little bit help me too,so I can come to you in this case,why not ... Wish you all the best,untill next letter, Elena*** 

PS:this red dress on my pics-I imagined myself and this dress took a first place on competitions of young designers last spring here,in my city!And another one my white model of dress for marriage by my opinion very nice too.Do you like? 

Email #4 (8/6/2001) 

Good morning,dear Steve! 

All week will be hard working days with design of new fashion show and very tired....but your letter like a present for me again...So long time I had not vacation and so hard work...so now I try think only about best and imagine my vacation soon and probably even our meeting...I hope you just took your decision about?About me-YES,I not joke-I like you,I even could visit you in Spain nearest time,I mean in  some week of August, for 1 week if you could invite me,help me and serous about me too...Writte me soon about ! And I must tell you regarding your letter-always in my mind some thouths about my future too... I dream about big love that will rush into my heart like a hurricane and burn there forever.I'll go anywhere to meet my big love if I find it... As any woman I want to create a family. I also want to have children if this is what will want my husband too. I grew up in a happy and a kind family. My parents spent every spare moment with each other. I can still see that they are in love with each other and didn't get tired of each other My parents made me presents and cared about me, so i want my kids to grow in a family like this. I believe that every child in a family should be wanted and cared for. I also want my husband to love me forever and to accept me the way i am with all my drawbacks. In my turn i promise to share all his interests even his possible love for let's say football. I would like to spend candle light dinners with my husband, to give each other warm looks and tender kisses, to enjoy watching the star night and holding hands and dreaming... I've learned in life that nothing can be taken for granted, I want to make the most out of my life. I want someone who will see that love is not just a word but an action. The smallest moments have the most lasting memories...and monetary objects are just that. I'm not seeking perfection, I'm seeking understanding. Passion and romance doesn't have to die, it's what you make of the other, I want someone who will love me, mistakes, imperfections and all...I hope to find someone who has very similar (but deverse enough) interests as myself. Believe this can be you...I believe myself to be intelligent, great sense of humor, spontaneous, HONEST, trustworthy, responsible...and all around crazy at times. I believe relationships are the joining of two people, each had their own life before the other, and that is still acceptable...but a relationship is work, and I'm willing to put forth the effort. I am a person that strives to make everyone happy--well, most of the time. I will go well out of my way to help someone feel better and smile. One of my favorite quotes is... "Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day." I also believe I am a very good listener. I have shaped myself through the years to be this way. I realized at a very young age that problems can't even begin to be solved until you sit back, listen, and think for a few minutes. I have a hard time dealing with people that don't think before they speak. My parents instilled that quality in me at a very young age, and I thank them for that! It helps me to sort through lifes problems. Whether they be mine or others...This quality is very important for family life too by my opinion.We choised each other by attractive and also,because were looking for a partner with some necessary qualities. I match most of them all maybe except understanding. Maybe it is also good that there are some "mystery" left in a relationship. I think that many marriages breaks up because everything becomes a routine. Sometimes the unexpected things should happen, like some sighn of romance in normal working day without being anniversary or such, making love in the middle of the day. Routine is the "killer" of a relationship...And what you think about?Are you agree with me or you have some another opinion about?Tell me...I'm going to meet you...I try show myself for you and I'm interest to know all about you same time... Now finish my letter,because my limit of time by computer just ended,mother needs work too.I hope to hear from you soon and even if you feel, that lazy to write, please write as much as you can. I'm happy to receive your emails! Wish you all best,untill next letter,Elena *** 

PS:sorry I couldn't communicate with you very often probably,cause use not my personal computer and mother connect with internet by her working mobile phone(our not works now) and this is expencive so...But I'll try writte you as soon as possible anyway,ok?Also,yes,I'd like to hear your voice and speak by phone...but...you just know my situation-my phone not works yet,they promised repair in end of next week only-then you should call me...so even collect call difficult to make now...but anyway I'll try call you myself from mother's travell office in nearest days,cause this is free for her and she allowed me too...but yet let's communicate by emails,ok? I love yor pic!And send you also some from my casual photos... 

Email #5 (8/7/2001) 

Hi,dear Steve! 

Like I promised to you I try use any possibility of every free minute of mother's notebook and so writte you again soon,even now time before work.Thanks for your great honest letters and share my point of view,like you see we have many common things between us,I mean even our personalities,that's really great! I must tell you I was thinking and thinking about...but now think I just took my final desision and would like to meet you.I want to try be woman of your life and I would like to share the rest of life with you if we fall in love. And,of course,I want to be loved, endlessly, unconditionally, for the rest of my life!!! I'm glad you understood what I'm looking for my future partner,not some adventure or penpals in net,so I even didn't ask you many questions in my emails,because I believe in real meeting.More easy to receive answer face by face,when you could see eyers of each other.Letters are very important part of knowledges too,but more important-meeting.I really like our quik connection! I'll be glad if you agree with me what our meeting is a best way to know real person,good and bad sides. We could know habits,interests and dreamsof each other. I am in search of true love. To me it is not just about finding a boyfriend (I am not short of offers); it's more romantic and significant. These days most people don't know what true love is any more.People love each other for the wrong reasons, and I think that's why so many relationships fail and so many people end up divorced. Also most people can't be trusted anymore because they are dishonest and insincere. In a good relationship,I think people should be completely honest with each other,never hide things from each other and never lie to each other, share everything with each other: their laughter and tears, have complete trust in each other and be faithful to each other, feel free to talk to each other, always be there for each other, love each other unconditionally, be understanding, forgiving and considerate, be best friends as well and make each other happy, be each other's main priority, respect each other, be committed to each other and love the other person for what he/she is, not for what we want them to be. I know it's quite a list(!), but I think a true relationship should really be based on these things. It doesn't matter for me that we're from different countries,because I believe that true love can overcome anything ... even distance and if we both want a relationship to work and we are willing to give it our everything, it will work! Since I'm looking for a future husband, and a permanent, monogamous, loving relationship only (not a pen-friend, not just a very good friend), and because I'm very realistic and serious as well as romantic and having a great sense of intuition, I want to meet you in your real life. I liked your photo and I decided to choise you and who knows,probably it will be main and last meeting before my marriage....I'm going to begin my family life abroad and I'd like to see all details in reallity. Would we be happy together,nobody know by letters I think. Even my parents agree and believe me by this situation. Do you agree with me? Unfortunatly I'm very busy in my job now,crazy period by my work!But I have free time ,which I could use for our meeting -is my summer vacation,which just will begin nearest time,so we could meet in this time if you like,I can visit you in your place...I think better even what we could meet in your country,cause possibile for me with mother's helping to have visa and arrange flight qiuk,yes? Or may be you have another variants?Lets me know...Tell me suitable time(some week,since...to...) for you in August,please... Like I told you my mother works in travelling company here,so if you decide invite me her colleages could helps me to arrange visa and airticket with travelling sale. I'm going to check all details from her after your answer,if you decide to meet. But if so- I have some practical questions to you: -Which exactly airoport better choise for flight,closer to you?Barcelona? -Could you meet me in airoport and how we recognize each other? -Where can I live,I mean what I need at least separeted room? -Will you so kind to help me to pay for this trip?Very Sorry what I ask you so delicate question-this is not in my rules,but my finansial situation not a best,my salory enouth only for food and everybody around in same situation-so I even can't take some loan in advance of my trip,so this is important for me too. Probably I hurry by post,but please answer to me soon,cause my vacation begin very soon and next only in winter,I should decide right now about my future plans,if you have not opportunity to meet me now,we could stay just friends by net or may be wait untill winter if I still to be single,but you should understand me clear I'm enouth busy by my work,not many vacations or free time and same way I'm enouth hurry to build my future just now,so I wouldn't like lost my opportunity to meet somebody soon,who could be my husband in future,if you answer will positive and quik- you have real possibility to meet me,cause you are most interesting and attractive person for me by your pic and mail now! I wait your answer. Sincerely,Elena. 

PS:this time I decided to send you some of my privat pics,I hate vulgarity,but I like real art of woman's body... And more...I told you how difficult to use phone for me right now,also I can't give my working phone,cause have not privat...so sorry what we didn't speak yet...but we change emails,this is ok,yes? If I see you are really serious about meeting and want help me too,soI'll call you from mother's office soon...  

Email #6 (8/8/2001) 

Dear Steve! 

Here not so hot and also enouth windy today,maybe cause early morning, and everybody try not walk too much,me too,before my work I'm in mother's travelling office,we speaking and taking some hot tee with great cake,which we just bought for us by the road to her... I checked my post from her computer and wow... received your great letter,I like very much what you choised for our meeting your country! I'm happy what we have possobility to meet and will see each other so soon,this is really positive news! I have been in Spain once I told you,but only like a tourist,so now with you all this so exiting!We could visit even some interesting places,mom told me all this should be unbelievable great!!! Now I continue to work,but ...yes I have more free time amd will take my vacation soon! So by my plans I could come to you in days hope suitable for you too- since 18 to 25 of August,so we stay 1 week together ! Now I was speaking with colleages of mom,they works in turism many years,in travelling company "Neva"here(I told you!), so everybody so kind and will help me to organize our meeting. I'm so hurry always-this is bad point of me,but I so exiting to come to you you can't imagine,or may be can-cause you too? Now we just checked all details of this trip.At first I need shengen visa to cross spain border,mom just asked one of her college Katerina and she was so kind to help us too.She will give my documents to consulat here like me inside travell group(this is more easy way and I not need special invetation from you),fortunatly it will be not long procedure,but anyway-for reciving this visa necessary wait around 1 week! Travel visa with special medical insurens,which they ask in consulat cost - 130 USD. Now mom also checked possible flights to you and price of my airticket ,you know all looks so expensive compare with my salory,really! But she choised and booked for me this like she told chip around airtisket ,which she could receive with a big travelling sale and discount -so it cost - 360USD(this is ok?-I'm not big specialist in all those prices!),this is around tarif with 1 connection even... I send you details: __________________________________________________ 
1. Flight: KLM Airlines flight 1396 Depart: St Petersburg,Russia (LED) - Sat., Aug 18 at 4:50pm Arrive: Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS) - Sat., Aug 18 at 5:55pm Flight: KLM Airlines flight 1677 Depart: Amsterdam Netherlands (AMS) - Sat., Aug 18 at 7:40pm Arrive: Barcelona, Spain (BCN) - Sat., Aug 18 at 9:55pm  2. Flight: British Airways flight 2485 Depart: Barcelona, Spain (BCN) - Sat., Aug 25 at 7:50am Arrive: London Gatwick, UK (LGW) - Sat., Aug 25 at 9:15am Flight: British Airways flight 2878 on a Boeing 737 Jet - non-stop Depart: London Gatwick, UK (LGW) - Sat., Aug 25 at 10:05am Arrive: St Petersburg,Russia (LED) - Sat., Aug 25 at 4:25pm __________________________________________________ 

But now the worst part. mom tried to account expenses for this trip. It will be totally-490 USD included visa and flight. I appreciate if you take care about,espessialy because I only finished to design many new models for new show and spent a lot of money for matterials.But anyway I can pay something too,unfortunatly-only 50 USD (so what you should pay is 440USD), hope you not smile but here 80USD is a normal salary so difficult to accumulate big money. I even understand your situation so feel free to decide what is possible for you; if this is not in your forces than we shall find any other solution, my dear. Now, if you decide to help me,about paymant,mom like a good economist reccomend us -"WESTERN UNION"sistem,I never use it ,but her travelling-company use always for quik and not dangerous connections nearest time,cause credit card and bank account paymant from abroad enouth dangerous and often not use now in Russia. Also one thing -my national passport now in police,cause fortunatly I just few days ago began remake my new international passport,cause old one finished by dates of using,but new one necessary for any trip abroad, and now passport will there also few days and I could not go to bank for this transfer... So mother will help me at all,also she has now more free time and bank just in same building with her office...You should transfer money by this sistem to her name: SVETLANA MNUSHKO (my mom). Take care to surname must be exact. RUSSIA,ST.PETERSBURG ONLY HAVE TO SPECIFY HER DETAILS AND EXACT AMOUNT IN USD. After sent you should send me CODE NR of transfer and your full data (NAME+SURNAME+ADDRESS),or you could send this details directly to mother's email to work - NEVATOUR@yandex.ru (for Mnushko Svetlana) ...After she will receive here in bank and pay for my visa and airtisket.So I need now 440USD for those expensives and better if you could transfer nearest days,what we have enouth time for visa! I hope this is not difficult for you! What about my living,yes I agree even live with you,but of course necessary different rooms at least in beggining(cause I'm going share my bad only with my future husband...),but after ...we will see our relations,if serious....may be even one room.... I wait your news asap! About transfer and our travell plans you could also write directly to my mom,she will check your emails since now! So, let me know as soon as you receive this letter. You can write me even today cause later after work I'm going to check email from time to time.Hope all will be okay..... I am so emotioned and really wish all okay. Please write me back soon, kisses Elena *** 

PS: What about discos in your place,can we go?cause I love dance,especially latino! About our close communication I will wait your call in next week,cause they promised to finish this crazy repair of our phone line at last,or could call you even on this week from mother's office,give me time and phone siuitable for this call,if you can't wait... 

Email # 7 (8/9/2001) (This one is from her "mom") 

Dear Mr.Steve, thanks for taking care to Elena. Hope the best for her happiness and same time I am sure she is enough responsable and will not create problem for you; anyway I will do my best to try help both you. Elena asked me to writte you about her trip to you and so-paymant and transfer. We understood your position,but trust is only way for this meeting.About visa you should not worry too,cause this point she will receive 100% with helping my colleage here.Unfortunatly I can't help and give or even loan in advance some money for dauther,cause have not now,but I think even my helping in travelling sales,not so bad,yes?So if you finally decide to trust and have this meeting,so she will need this transfer asap to prepair her visit to you. After '98 many banks took all our deposits,we close all our accounts (famous financial crisis in our country).I lost a lot and we also lost the faith in private bank system that, unfortunately, must accept local laws. Bank account is only for our agency but better not use this coordinate for something private.Also situation here so what possible to lost money when you use sistem of account or creditcard paymant. I think best system is just "Western Union",cause this sistem use all a world many years,I use this sistem of cash transfer for my work,clients enouth often in last time too. Do you have problems for using this systems?Hope not. But I'll explain you,you should go to "Western Union" office and send personal transfer $ for my data. This is my data: SVETLANA MNUSHKO RUSSIA,ST.PETERSBURG(sometimes they could ask you follow information too,so I send you- address- RUSSIA,ST.PETERSBURG 194100,1Murinski pr.15-16) About time of transfer,my opinion as soon as better,cause we have enouth time for visa and this chip airflight . This is email of my office,so, please, do not hesitate to contact me again for any questions.And for Elena better use her email,which she uses from my notebook (I begin have some problems with my internet line by mobile phone right now,cause our home number not works yet too,but after I will repair,not more 1 day anyway,Elena will send you letters again...now about all communicate with me by this my working email...) Wishing you both the best hope to know you personally later in St Petersburg(you are wellcome). Best Regards,Svetlana Mnushko. 

Email #8 (Next day, I believe) - I didn't save this one, but it was a terse reply saying she can't wait and doesn't want ot be "penpals" 



Elena Volodina, (Tyumen,Russia)

I wish to add more about the above person. I am single in Texas,39.Elena contacted me via DatingFaces on 10/23 and after coming across your wonderful site today, realize that she indeed is a scammer. Same letters sent to me word for word were posted by another gentleman, and same said photos. Plus after a week or so of contacting me, her profile disappeared from DatingFaces.She hasn't asked for money yet, but is mentioning the story about her "friend" who went to Australia and the costs of travel, so it's apparently coming up soon. I have requested a mailing address from her, and after seeing these letters, seriously doubt one will be forthcoming. Thank you again for having such a great service, and saving one of heartbreak. 

Cheers, Doug in Texas 


Irina Kiseleva/Irina Tarakanova/Alena Fedorovskaya/Yuriy Kutergenko/ Myraidhearts ( St Petersburg) 

My name's Rob from Canada, and I've had the confrontation mentioned with I believe Alena Fedorovskaya. We met through match.com, in July, 2001. By October 30 I had sent over $4000 Canadian to her for flights, visas, etc. via Western. I am not one of the lucky ones, but rather a fool for issuing Canadian trust towards a foreigner. The letters sent were similar or the same to ones mentioned already, and pictures were the same exactly-blue bikini with Christmas tree, pic holding dog, etc... The money was sent via Western to Irina Tarakanova, and to Yuriy Kutergenko. Areas money was sent to were Kahul, Moldova and St. Petersburg. I WILL SEND PICS AND LETTERS UPON SOMEONES REQUEST. 

Please E-mail myself if anyone has any leads at all!! 

E-mail: borc350ss@yahoo.com


Larisa Komova/Natalia Derevyashkina/Svetlana Kashkova/ Ekaterina (Elena) Smirnova/Marina Lyzhina (Tyumen, Russia) 

You know her as Natalia Derevyashkina , Svetlana Kashkova, Ekaterina (Elena) Smirnova, etc. I know her as Larisa Komova from Tyumen. She also requested money to be sent to Marina Lyzhina, and in one of her e-mails that she sent to me in error, she used the term Russian princess Zinaida, who she subsequently claimed to be a coworker. I also have some pictures of her that you do not have posted. If you would like them I will be happy to send them along. Richard Foley, Montpelier, VT 


Larisa Komova (Tyumen, Russia) 

Here is some new information for Larisa Komova, listed to me at 4-16 Michurina Street, Tyumen 625000 Russia, She listed no telephone (of course). I sent her money through Western union but saw a similar site to yours and was able to recover it. I sent it to her "girlfriend" whose name is Marina Lyzhina. She also used the first name of Zinaida in one of the e-mails. (She made a mistake and sent an extra one to me). I also attach pictures that she sent that I did not see on your site. She said she loved me after 8 letters. I will forward them under separate cover... 

Richard Foley 175 River St Montpelier, VT 

I believe she initiated the contact through the "Friend-finder" dating site.


Marina Konstantinova (Kherson, Ukraine) 

I am a 35 y.o. divorced father of 2 from America.  I work in computer IT.  I was reading through the Black List and noticed something that I just wanted to pass along to everyone.  The pictures that have been posted as being of MARINA KONSTANTINOVA (Kherson) are definately not her, whoever she is. 

The woman in the pictures is actually supermodel Laetitia Casta, look her up on the web and you will probably find all of these pictures. As a reader of Sports Illustrated and divorced from a woman who used to get the Victoria's Secret catalog, I recognized these pictures.  The photo of her in the green swimsuit is actually straight out of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition from a couple of years back, and the close-up face picture is actually from one of the Victoria's Secret catalogs. 

Thanks Elena for this Black List.  It, as well as, the rest of your site has been very helpful. 

Kelly


Marina Lyzhina (Novosibirsk, Russia) 

My name is Ray and like all the others I found out to late that I was scammed. I'm 47, father of 10 yr old son.  

I had placed an ad in Datingfaces.com and was contacted by Marina, she said it was her girlfriends Idea, she E-mail me with the first of many (first was a copy that was all ready used by someone on the blacklist) This has be on going for 2 months now. 

She asked for $260.00 said she needed $300.00, but she had saved $40.00 already so, she only needed the $260.00, so I send it to her via Western Union as she said her girlfriend Nina said would be best way. I sent the money to Marina Lyzhina, ALFA-Bank / Prospekt Dimitrova,52E / Novosibirsk 630004 RU. Only trick is that there is only one place in Russia that all Western Unions go to!!!! and once you give them the control number they go to the bank and it gets released. This was the Ninth letter before money came up. But after that it came up in almost every letter. The next time was when she said her Aunt worked at the Airport and could get the Ticket for the flight cheaper only $980.00, But, she said she only needed $930.00 because her mom had given her $50.00 as her gift for the wedding. So, I sent that same address... next letter she said she has visa but, needs $430.00 for Insurance before they will let her out of Russia.... That's when I read the the BlackList and they word for word was her First letter wrote to someone else by someone else........ so, I wrote to her and asked for the visa number so I could check on it.... She sent me the Flight Information she is leaving Nov. 12, at 11:25 from Moscow, I checked she or her friend is very good they got the Information I assume the same way I did by going on to the net and placing a date to leave to come here and it gave them the flight Information.  

Well.... it's Nov.2,2001, and I have not heard back yet! 

I did let Datingfaces know and I told fromru.com that's the FREE E-mail site she uses ...marisha_OK@fromru.com Her Address is: Lenin St. 14-18 City of Novosibirsk,Russia 635099. She says she is 26 and will be 27 on Nov 13th, the day after she said she will be here with me. PS She states she got her tourist visa in only 2 weeks.... 

Well.... see letters and Pics below good luck all!!! 

raysjr47@ juno.com 


Nata (Alena, Natalie) Tkachenko from Kiss.com (Lugansk, Ukraine) 

I am 36 year old single American. It seems this photographs of Tkachenko Nata at Kiss.com web site is being under different names. I first found her profile under name Eve (user ID 4351259) in August'2001, wrote to her and got her first letter which says her name is Alena. I did not engage in correspondence with her. However, then I saw same photographs posted under name Natalie (Sept'2001). The description had remained same but height had changed from 5'8" to 5'5" :-)) I sent her email asking what was her real name and got no reply (the user ID of Eve got deleted form web site). Now name of Tkachenko Nata is being used (October'2001). Her first letter to me is copied below.  

Sincerely, 

Sunny 

Letter 

Hello Sunny! 

Well, it is always a problem to write a letter to a man you do not know. Let me try. I'm 22, tall and slim, brown-haired and blue-eyed. Now you won't miss me if you meet me in the street :) I am a University student. I am creative and communicative. I try to fill my life with something new, beautiful and interesting. I see my life as rainbow where every color means some episode of my life or some bright moment of it. Life isn't black and white, is it? I don't like being sad and don't depend on miracles. I work miracles myself. Though it's not easy now and here. Anyway I don't lose my sense of humor in any circumstances. I always try to see the light even in complete darkness. I'm a good listener and can help people. People think me honest, caring, purposeful and considerate. I want to have your picture (don't want to miss you either) Waiting for your reply Alena (my real name) 


North Beauty Agency/Ludmila Dolmasheva (Arkhangelsk, Russia) 

Hello and Thank you for your service of "outing" these scammers. 

I am John Johnson and live in Australia recently i had a inquiry from my  accountant i run a Internet security consultancy here) about "did I have  some business in Russia that he was not aware of?" the inquiry was from a  agency in Arkhangelsk that calls itself North Beauty, their address is  northbeauty@mail.ru, *manager* - Ludmila Dolmasheva. 

Without ever writing to these people ( i do have a personal ad online) they found my name and cross referenced it with some business web sites and found out that i have a large business ( not really but a web page that looks good gives this impression) and wrote me in very specific terms about  this nice lady who has made inquiry about my personal ad online. the thing that i found strange was that they knew my business address. ( my personal ad only has a reference to my hotmail address) i replied that yes i am looking for a nice Russian lady but I am almost 40 years old and doubted that this lady would be interested in me. They replied with the scanned letter from this letter and a further email asking me to writing on paper to this lady to a address in Arkhangelsk. I did so not thinking anything but that she was pretty and maybe a nice lady to correspond with. 3 weeks later a draft request ( fund transfer request was lodged with a bank in Minsk ( i will not mention this agency as I have cleared them of any wrong doing) that has my signature at the bottom the draft request was for $10,000 USD !!! 

My accountant was most surprised and refused to sign the transfer but called me and told me what was happening. it took a few days to gain the details from Minsk (they where only too happy to help) I have written many emails to the northbeuty address asking why they where to receive this money and why was my signature (or close copy) was on this . I have never received a reply. I have since sold my business but my old bank is still getting requests at least once every 3 months for fund transfers ( signed or unsigned it is not possible to do this in Australia unless the business receiving the request fills in the bank documents needed, i believe this is not the case with the USA. and now i have found your site it makes even more sense. 

they get a man to write a letter and forge his signature for visa traces (once you have a mans full name date of birth and address it is possible to trace the visa card that is attached to that name and by supplying a forge credit slip they get paid. 

I never had a visa card or other cards ( I don't believe in them) so they applied to my bank directly this did not work ( thankfully) as Australian banking laws are very exact and the request was forward to the nominated person ( my accountant) who called me straight away I now state on my personal page that i do not own this business any more and the number of unsolicited emails has reduced by 90%.. i guess its not smart to put too much information about ones self online if involved in business AND looking for a Russian wife I know the scammers are few and rare but they can write to many men at once and so i ask you to add these details on your web page to warn others If you would be so kind as to delete my last name and email address from your posting as it is embarrassing to be a "almost" victim of these people many 

Thanks again 

John


Olga Naumova/Olga Fedotofa (Novosibirsk Russia) 

Hi I have been writing to a lady in Russia named Olga Naumova. Something never felt quite right about her letters. I when online to see if I could find anything about scams, Thank God I did!!! I found your page, and then found Olga Fedotofa from Novosibirsk Russia. There I found the exact same letter she had writen me. She too asked for 350 dollars for her Visa and 1200 dollars for airline tickets. Thank you for spending the time to post these scammers on your page, it saved me alot of money, I'm glad I found it before I sent her any. 

Rick 


Svetlana (Mila) Popovich/Absolute agency/Amour Web site (Odessa, Ukraine) 

I first saw Svetlana "Mila" Popovich on the Absolute Agency after writing to me she directed me to the Amour of Ukraine marriage site. There she was able to use a translator and soon she asked me to pay the fees. I believe it was $150 for three months unlimited correspondences. At first all her letters were very much a form letter and I brought this to her attention. Soon she was falling in love with me without really knowing me. I should have thrown up a red flag at that time. We continued to write for a couple months this summer 2001 and then all of a sudden there was urgency. There was a trip through the university for $2100 to the USA and Mila claimed this was the only way she could see me. I thought about it and then told her that I was going to come their to visit her in Odessa, Ukraine. She reacted very negatively and told me that I must have something to hide and if I came there she would never want to see me again. After a week of not writing, I broke down and told her that I would send the money to the university directly. She responded that this is not possible because they don't want foreigners paying for Ukrainian girls to come over on the tours. She claimed that she had permission to break away from the tour in New York and spend the rest of the time with me. 

I contacted the "Amour of Ukraine" director Natalie and she assured me Mila was real and that sometimes when something's are too good to be true they are true. She was supportive of Mila through all transactions and knew about flowers and toys being delivered to her. This Natalie I strongly believe is part of the scam. I also sent Natalie a copy of some of the black listing against Mila and she responded and claimed it wasn't true and anyone as beautiful as Mila would be scrutinized.  

I sent the money finally to Mila and she picked it up at the Western Union in Odessa. I have kept copies because I want her to be prosecuted. Everything looked like a go and Mila acted like she was excited. On the way to get her visa, passport and fly out of Kiev. Mila got very sick. Well I received an email from a Kristina Novak that said Mila was on her way on the train and she had a miscarriage. Now I know for one think emailing doesn't cause pregnancies. The lady which I still have a copy of her letter told about how Mila didn't know she was pregnant and she would be hospitalized for two months. She said she was sorry but our wonderful story had to end. I contacted Natalie at the agency and she said the only thing she knew is that Mila was on the train to go to Kiev to see me. This agency is just as responsible and should be required to refund all of us suckers who actually were sucked in. Natalie said she would refuse to refund the money and she would talk to Mila's mom. Yeah sure and the check is in the mail right. 

That evening I made up some fake emails and started emailing Mila who was in the hospital. Oh my Mila started writing back the next day with the same letters to all the fake email persons I created. Everyone should send emails to Mila at ukramur@yahoo.com # 251. I would like to recoup my money and press charges on Svetlana "Mila" Popovich and I have a friend I met on the internet that is going to Odessa to deliver my information to the local police. I sure hope the Odessa police can arrest the several indivuals involved in this crime including Svetlana "Mila" Popovich (if she exists) and the director of Amour of the Ukraine Natalie.

The address which I sent the money to was by Western Union so it was to Svetlana "Mila" Popovich in Odessa. I sent the $2100 to her through Western Union. I sent a couple times translation fees to Natalie, Director of the Amour 2000. The second time it was $150 for three months unlimited correspondences. The home address Mila gave me was 40 Shilova, Apartment 17 in Odessa, Ukraine 65000. The contact first originated when I was surfing the Absolute Agency for prospective women to correspond with. The Absolute Agency also highlighted Mila as one of their top 25 girls and Amour of the Ukraine had Mila shown first in their highlighting of "New Girls". She was a new girl for a very long time.

Respectfully, 

Brad Arndt 

brad_jay_arndt@hotmail.com

Sun Prairie, Wisconsin USA 


Sveta (Svetlana) Antonova/Tatyana Repina (Ekaterinburg, Russia) 

Currently she is on your page 34, using the name Tatyana Repina for me she used the name:Sveta (Svetlana) Antonova, Ekaterinburg,a street Shevchenko the House 8, Apartments 47, Svetlana Antonova.

My name is Patrick, I am 40 years old, widower, have raised (2) wonderful children alone for the last 5 years, now i search for a woman to create a new family. Owner of  (2) high tech companies, education, a few pound over weight yet good in appearance.

I found Sveta in my search on Matchdoctor.com, my heart was taken immediately as you can see it was not difficult. First letters were beautiful and very sincere and sensitive. Once money of any kind was mentioned the tone of the letters changed immediately. NOW, NOW, NOW.. They were written by professional type people mixing the words of tenderness and love with the demand for money. 

At first I did not see a problem, yet I did contact the Russian Consulate here in NYC, they suggested caution and to perhaps go to see her. I prepared the VISA and told SVETA that i was coming. She ignored my information and said the money is needed NOW so that she can purchase the Urgent visa. 

I contacted the US Embassy in Moscow, they suggested that i also travel to Russia meet the young lady and come together to begin the applications for the B1 Fiancee VISA, which is the logical next step if we wished to be together. Never forward funds for a promised urgent VISA and that she would come to you, it what I was told. It is unlikely that there are any kind of VISA's available and if yes, it would only be a temporary tourist kind.

Once again I said the SVETA that I was now coming so we could go and do all the needed steps hand and hand. YESTERDAY THERE WERE ADDED DEMANDS FOR THE MONEY.. 

see the following: 

10-24-01

Hello my love Patrick!!!! Thank you so much for your nice letter! Well, I looked for visa one else and to me it is necessary to pay 45 dollars for the visa and 20 dollars registration and more it is necessary to pass inspection in hospital X-ray and it to cost 100 dollars and more and more registration of the documents, foreign passport, i.e. 350 dollars should suffice me. You understand? I went to embassy and at me was 50 dollars and I start registration the visa, it is necessary to pay for it, I have told, that I have 50 dollars and they have told well, give 50 dollars. And me have started registration. I so have understood that for the visa of this money will suffice, because to me so have told. But today I went there and to me have told, that to me gave the visa that it to finish registration urgently it is necessary to bring all those documents, i.e. medical and other. I have told, and it is possible later in some days, because I do not have not enough money to receive all these documents, at me at once have shouted, have scolded and have told, that for you then have begun to make the visa if you do not have not enough money, but I speak, that the visa costs 45 dollars and registration a little more, but to me have not explained at once to receive the visa, is necessary that were applied all necessary documents, I has certainly apologized, and has told, that I shall bring soon, one of these days. To me have told, that they may wait about 5 days and if I shall not bring the necessary documents they will stop to make the visa to me. And it is even worse, that if I not shall have time, to me have told that may not make to me the visa more, they will take offence at me, for my acts. But I promised, that I shall make all correctly and to me have believed. Therefore I very much ask you, try to borrow from somebody money if you now do not have it, at the friends for example. Because to me now in such situation the help nobody may, I searched already, but not any successes. Therefore I hope only for you, you one to me may the help. Because I believe in you, and in both of us, that all at us will be Ok! And I hope, that all will be good. I know it. I ask you to send this money to me as soon as possible. Please send to me 300 dollars in these 5 days. Ok? It's very important. I wait! I want to tell that the money better to send by the bank system called Western Union. This system is very reliable also transferring money is carried out during 15 minutes. By the way you must send the money on my passport data. Here is my data: Ekaterinburg,a street Shevchenko the House 8, Apartments 47, Svetlana Antonova. (svetaant@hotbox.ru) After you will send money you in bank will tell ten figures (MTCN, control number) and do not forget to write your full address and full name which you will fill at sending money and should inform me it. I wait your answer as soon as possible. Please, help me. I know, that you good man and you correctly all understood. I wait you. See you soon. Your forever Sveta.

11/02/01

Hi, love mine! I so am glad to receive your letter. Always, when I receive the letter from you, to me it becomes easier, because I am sure, that I to you am not indifferent. This very pleasant feeling, that someone loves me and waits, that I am necessary for someone, that us divides(shares) such distance. My dear, I In the last letters I have written to you about that, how many it is required to me of money for registration of the visa. It is very unpleasant to me to ask you money, but I do not have other output(exit). I not so rich person also have no such sum. I have bypassed and have rung round all familiar to ask them money in a duty, but all have given up to me, all spoke me, that have no such sum. I was compelled to ask about it you. Because I do not have now person, is closer than you and I can not to anybody so trust, as to you. To me any more for whom hopes, except for as on you, love mine! I ask you, consider more seriously my request, you see on it depends, as soon we shall meet and at last we shall be together, together always. It is unpleasant to me to speak you something about money, but now all in your hands. I very much love you and I can not without you so long remain one. I feel alone. But I know, that I have you, that, оком I dreamed all life, to whom I подарю all love. My loved(liked), on Wednesday to me will call from firm and whether can ask to pay other money for the visa. Term of the expiration of registration of the visa on Friday. Therefore I ask you to consider this seriously. I very much love you and completely I hope only for you. You are necessary for me and only you, I never would began to deceive you, only to receive from you money. I the fair person also hate a lie. I for the first time in life have taken advantage of services of conjugal agency. To find persons. To which I shall trust also which will trust me. Cares of me and to love me. And I have found you, that of whom I dreamed all life. You my unique and loved(liked) and anybody another are not necessary for me. And you write, that there is no trust to me. As you might so badly of me think. I love you all heart. And you do not believe me. I the unfortunate Russian girl. Which has grown fond of persons from abroad and now is tormented, that she(it) not near to loved(liked). I very much love you and адеюсь on you. That you all таки still though a little bit believe me. Love mine as you do not understand,  that if you will arrive to me you will spend much more money than if you have sent them to me through the Western Union. I do not want, that because of me you have incurred(carried) what - нибудь superfluous charges. I know as money because I work are difficultly given to the person, but excuse I have no such sum. To pay the visa. If I had money I at once would arrive е to you, not asking at you absolutely any help. I wait for your answer. I hope, that you will write to me quickly. Yours for ever Sveta!!! 

see photos attached, questions I would be pleased to answer. 

Patrick at EMS128@AOL.COM


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