Online dating has long since become commonplace. But it also attracts fraudsters: anonymity and broad reach make the internet an ideal environment for deception. These guidelines will help you verify a new acquaintance before entrusting them with money or personal documents.
1. No Money Without a Written Agreement
Fraudsters are skilled at playing on emotions: a sudden illness, a family tragedy, a ticket home. In one case, a woman transferred more than 50,000 euros to a European acquaintance under the pretext of organizing a trip to Sweden.
The rule: any transfer of money must be made pursuant to a written agreement. Such an agreement is not difficult to prepare, and it establishes the basis for recovery. Avoid transfers to personal bank cards — request the account details of a legal entity or sole proprietor (IP). Never transfer funds to third parties named by your acquaintance.
2. Do Not Trust Photographs
A photo may belong to someone else entirely. Use reverse image search via Google or Yandex — fraudsters rarely check how unique their chosen photograph is.
If an acquaintance sends a scan of a Russian passport, verify its authenticity on the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) website: http://services.fms.gov.ru (the registry of invalid documents). Request several photo identification documents. The most reliable option is a video call — record it and retain the recording in case you need to contact the police.
3. Check for Debts and Enforcement Proceedings
No attorney is required for this — you can do it yourself:
Debts and enforcement proceedings: visit the Federal Bailiff Service (FSSP) website — https://fssprus.ru/iss/ip. Enter the first name, last name, patronymic, and region of residence. If you find proceedings, contact the bailiff to confirm whether it is the same person.
Court cases: search the websites of courts located in the acquaintance’s registered region. Magistrate courts (mirovye sudy) handle minor civil, administrative, and criminal matters; district and city courts (rayonnye i gorodskie sudy) handle more serious disputes and criminal cases.
A comprehensive criminal history check is difficult to perform independently — there is no single publicly accessible registry. However, a search of court websites yields sufficient information.
4. Verify Income and Business Activity
Is the person an entrepreneur? Check their status on the Federal Tax Service (FNS) website: https://service.nalog.ru — you can find information about a sole proprietor (IP) or a legal entity there.
Do they claim to be an employee? Call the employer they name. Find the phone number independently through a directory or online search — do not use the number provided by the acquaintance.
5. Verify Any Documents Sent to You
Fraudsters frequently send receipts, hospital certificates, and other “supporting documents” — counting on trust. Such documents are easy to fabricate and have no legal force. Verify the authenticity of any documents through official sources.
6. Use Professional Verification Services
A range of online services exists that allows you to verify ownership of real property, vehicles, liens, and encumbrances — through the registries of Rosreestr, the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (GIBDD), and other agencies. For a serious relationship or significant sums of money, a comprehensive background check is well worth the effort.
If you or someone close to you has become a victim of online fraud, contact us. We handle debt recovery from foreign nationals and assist with international disputes.