Over the past decade, online dating and international matchmaking have surged in popularity. A key part of this trend is the rise of mail order bride websites, which help connect men—often from developed countries—with women around the world who are looking for serious, long-term relationships or marriage. While many people have found real love and lasting connections through these platforms, the presence of scammers remains a significant concern.

In this article, we’ll dive into how to spot and avoid scams on mail order bride websites. You’ll learn about common red flags, get insights backed by data, and discover practical tips to protect yourself while navigating the world of international online dating.

What Are Mail Order Bride Sites?

Mail order bride websites are international matchmaking services where individuals (mostly women from Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America) seek foreign partners for long-term relationships and marriage. In many legitimate cases, women join these platforms to find a better life, cultural connection, or genuine love. However, the growing popularity of these services has attracted scammers.

There are more than 400 active international dating and mail order bride sites, but not all operate transparently. Some lack proper verification systems, making them easy targets for fraud.

Online Romance Scams by the Numbers

Online romance scams have become increasingly common. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States:

• In 2023, over $1.3 billion was lost to romance scams, with more than 70,000 cases reported.
• The median reported loss per person was $4,400.
• Victims aged 40-69 reported the highest losses.

Additionally, Scamwatch, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), reported:

• Over $40 million AUD lost to romance scams in 2022.
• Online platforms and dating websites accounted for more than 60% of these reports.

Types of Scams on Mail Order Bride Sites

Understanding the types of scams is the first step in avoiding them. Here are the most common:

1. Romance Scams

Scammers pose as real users, building emotional relationships to gain trust. Once a connection is established, they start asking for money—often for medical emergencies, visa applications, or family problems. These scams can last weeks or months.

2. Translation/Communication Fee Scams

Some platforms charge users to send messages or view profiles. Scammers or even platform employees may pretend to be interested in conversations, dragging them out to increase the number of paid messages. In reality, the woman may never have existed or had no idea about the communication.

3. Fake Profiles

Scammers upload attractive, fake photos (often stolen from social media or modeling sites) to lure users into communication. These profiles are often operated by multiple people or bots to maximize victim engagement.

4. Travel Scams

In these scams, a woman pretends to plan a visit to the man’s country and asks for help with travel expenses, visa fees, or passport renewals. Once the money is sent, communication ceases.

5. Marriage Fraud

In rare but severe cases, a woman may marry a man only to secure a visa or citizenship. Once in the country, she may leave the relationship abruptly.

These figures show that romance fraud isn’t rare or accidental—it’s a large-scale and organized criminal activity.

Statistics That Paint the Picture

To understand the scope of the problem, here are a few key data points:

• Over 70% of romance scams in 2023 originated on international dating platforms, especially ones without identity verification (source: FBI IC3 report).
• In a survey of 2,000 men who used international dating services, 29% reported experiencing a scam or suspected scam.
• Scammers often use multiple profiles simultaneously, and one scammer may target 10-20 victims at a time.

Choosing a Safe Platform

Choosing a legitimate mail order bride website is your first defense. Here’s what to look for:

Verification Systems

Top-tier platforms like RoseBrides, Elena’s Models, and LatinFeels use ID verification and photo validation to screen new users.

Transparent Pricing

Sites should clearly list pricing for communication, gifts, or matchmaking services. Avoid platforms that charge unexpectedly or have hidden fees.

Anti-Scam Policies

Legit websites have anti-scam departments and allow users to report suspicious activity. Look for platforms that share details about how they protect users.

User Reviews and Ratings

Check independent review sites like Trustpilot, SiteJabber, or Reddit threads to see what others are saying.

Real Customer Support

A legitimate platform provides responsive customer service that answers questions and resolves disputes.

Success Stories vs. Scam Victims: A Contrast

To give you a realistic picture, let’s look at what separates real success stories from scam cases:

Success Story	Scam Victim
Gradual, natural development	Immediate intimacy
Video chats, verified profiles	No video, excuses for calls
No requests for money	Regular money demands
Plans to meet with official paperwork	Vague, shifting stories
Use of reliable platform	Poorly reviewed or unknown site

Fun Fact: According to a Pew Research Center study, 1 in 3 U.S. marriages now begin online—but those that start with transparency and mutual respect have a much higher chance of success.

How Law Enforcement Deals with Scams

Governments are taking mail order bride scams seriously. Many countries have begun working with dating sites to enforce stricter rules.

• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) works with foreign governments to track scams originating overseas.

• The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) requires U.S. citizens to provide background checks when applying for fiancé visas, which helps screen both parties.

However, due to jurisdictional challenges, many scammers operate freely from countries where online fraud laws are not well enforced.

Conclusion

Mail order bride websites can be a path to real love, cultural exchange, and meaningful relationships. But without the proper precautions, they can also lead to heartbreak and financial devastation.

To avoid scams, remember the golden rules: don’t send money, verify identity early, use reputable sites, and stay alert for red flags. While not every connection will be a scam, staying informed is the best protection you can have.

Always prioritize your safety over emotional impulses. With due diligence, patience, and a healthy dose of skepticism, it is entirely possible to navigate mail order bride sites successfully and even find love across borders.