If you have decided to look for new love, you are welcome to find it in Russia. Most matchmaking agencies will assure you that here the women are modest, but sexy and they will arrange everything for your perfect first date.

On the other hand all informational resources are alarmed by the growing number of frauds already recognized as Russian scams. These are criminal groups which use the innocent idea of intermediation in order to get to your credit card information and use it for their own needs. How to identify the fake ones?

First symptoms are related to security reasons. Most Russian matchmaking agencies will require a certain amount of money in order to let you in their bridegroom lists. This subscription fee gives you access to various things: from women's mail addresses and unlimited correspondence to special translation services and guidance in the foreign culture.

Beware when you pay. Look out for anything that sounds suspicious and cancel the payment procedure if necessary. Our advice is to use alternative payment methods such as Paypal or cheque.

Usually the documents that you will be asked to fill in include information about your age, sexual orientation, annual income, position or any company ownership. Matchmakers will also ask what kind of relationship you search: short term / vacation break away or long term / marriage.

People in Russia are not as innocent as angels but you might be asked to prove the fact that you are single. This sometimes is problematic if you are on your way to divorce or if you are married but just looking for extreme and exotic experience in far Russia.

If payment requirements, or other information that will be gathered from you, make you feel uncertain that this will really work out, why not first try to find a Russian woman by yourself. How?

It is simple: search for free dating sites on the internet. One thing is sure on them: women are real and you will not be asked money to look at their profiles or contact them.

Dating websites are very easy to access and navigate. In addition they have versions in English! Many dating websites are actually serving as matchmaker agencies and have sections rich in information and advice on what to do and how to do it on your first date or cover etiquette.

Communication there will be free of any censorship and quite soon after you have found a pretty Russian woman you will be free to call her on the phone or develop your relationship in the offline world.

No matter what you select: agency or direct contact, to prevent a scam you should follow a few simple guidelines:

- If your sweetheart is talking too much about money, obviously her aim is to make you sort out her hard life and transfer resources to her bank account.

- In Russia a big age difference in a relationship is not popular and if successful marriages exist, more often they are rare incidents. If you are a 50 year old man, you seriously need to ask yourself why an 18 year old woman would be attracted to you.

- Instead of inviting you to visit Russia, your girl asks for money to come to you. There are women who already have families in Russia but are after rich foreigners just because of their wealth and foreign visa possibilities.

These are just three warning signs to watch out for. If you really want to be sure, get her background checked. You can do this for as little as $140. Be safe and enjoy!