Can I get in any trouble if a Russian woman visits me?

by Don
(Tennessee)

I met a Russian woman online and we have been emailing for a month and she is in love and wants to come see me. She is borrowing money, and her mother is borrowing money, and no one is asking me for money. She claims she will get a visa, but I don't see how. She just wants to know that I love her, and the name of the airport to which she should procure passage. Am I in any jeopardy?

Bob's Answer:

Depends on what you mean by "trouble" or "jeopardy" :-)

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this is a scam. Before her alleged trip, she'll have a last minute cash flow crisis and will be pleading with you to send money... and promising that she'll pay it back as soon as she arrives. It'll be something like "My mom was going to wire me the money, but there was a problem at the bank... she'll be able to wire it Monday, but that'll be too late and I will miss my flight, and unfortunately the flight tickets are non-refundable..."

If she does get a visa and does come, it'll be the first time in history that this scenario was not a scam.