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 MVD website (мвд.рф, Services → Passport Verification) or through the Gosuslugi portal. 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://fssp.gov.ru (Enforcement Proceedings Database). 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
Numerous online services allow 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.
Read Also
- Registering or Dissolving a Marriage with a Foreign National: Legal Guidance
- Recovering a Debt Through Court Proceedings Involving a Foreign National
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.