Travelgirls and the new standard of Scamming

[jone]

While overseas this past summer I had a number of internet advertisements that passed my desktop from a company called Travelgirls.com. 

Operationally, it is a good concept.  Women can meet men who can choose to pay for a woman's travel, or more.  Typically the women might wish to be compensated for her time, even though she is invited to travel.  Many of the women on the site state that they are not there as a one night stand and many of the women are actually there because they wish to meet a man who isn't traveling on borrowed money, trying to scoop up a honey on the cheap.

From the man's perspective, the fees are not too expensive.  It is a subscription fee for under $100 USD a month for access to the women.  But here is where the concept breaks down.

1.  There is no screening done of the women.  It is the wild West.

2.  There is no detail passed.  The woman puts up a picture(s) and tells how tall she is.  Then she tells where she wants to travel to.

3.  There is a basic search function, but does not give the sophisticated search mechanisms needed because the detail is never collected.

While acting as a subscription service, the true nature of the site is that it is a trap for would be sugar daddies.  By my guess, there is fully a third of the profiles on the site that are not real, but instead there to trick a man into sending money to a woman prior to ever having met.  The site does nothing to discourage this. 

When I was looking at the site, a clever scammer put up five women within two days.  All of them were from areas in the war zone in Ukraine.  The picture would come up from some impossibly beautiful young lady.  There were no details given, just the name of the city, Horlivka or Lugansk.  After thinking about this for a minute, it made perfect sense:  A guy establishes a relationship with a 'woman' online.  They decide to meet.  Well, the guy isn't going to fly into Eastern Ukraine.  Moreover, the woman has the perfect reason to want to leave the area - the war, you know!  And more.  It is difficult to leave.  Therefore she will need money to 'make it across the border' etc.  Easy to see peeling off three grand from any interested guy. 

There is a report feature on the bottom of the profile.  In theory, the staff contacts the woman and asks for an explanation.   We reported three women.  They were all gone within a day.  I can only come to the conclusion that the staff knows of the problem but it is so endemic to the system that they don't bother to contact the woman and simply remove her.  With so few barriers to entry, 'she' will be up with a more profitable profile within a day or two. 

The art of the scam is more sophisticated than a simple ADate, you are spending money online type scam.  One of the more interesting features is not to put the city the woman is from.  For instance, the city and country is Ukraine, Ukraine.  No sense in risk some guy coming to your city.  As the woman identifies where her mark is located, she can zero in the most expensive method for obtaining tickets to get to him.  In other words, she might be from Siberia in Russia if he is in Western Europe.  No sense in leaving money on the table.

Travelgirls is not exclusive to women from FSU countries.  While the most women are from Ukraine, the scam factory of the world, there are many from the Philippines and also from various African nations and other undeveloped countries.

Ultimately, while there is a small percentage of women on this site who actually want to travel with the right man or even just meet the right man, the profiles of these women are overshadowed by the pro-daters and out and out scammers to be of any significance.

Has anyone on the forum had interaction on this site?

[GatoMoon]

I was a member of the site you mentioned for 2 months, and still haven't met the right woman (except for one who is my friend) who is interested in travelling with me other than expecting me to pay her wages, etc.  In fact, ONLY one of them are genuine - out of 100+.  She is from Ukraine and we are still 'friends'

Most of the women, say 90% who interested in me are from Ukraine and the rest 10% made up from Philippines, Russia, Eastern European countries. 

Most of these women are interested in luxury travelling such as Dubai, Maldives, Dominican Republic.   Some of these women are looking for 'escort' services ranging up to $1,000 for the weekend. 

Many of the women refused to give me their e-mails so that I continue to communicate with them, regarding about meetings, despite that they want to meet me!!

I had one woman from Lugansk wanting me to send her  US $300 for taxi to meet me at Kiev Airport, but refused to go on taxi when I told her that I can order the taxi for her.  Don't need Einstein to figure it out.

[jone]

GatoMoon,

Welcome to the forum.  It sounds like you have much to contribute to our forum.  Don't be a stranger.

[zooble]

I don't know what people are expecting from it.

It is essentially travelling with someone on a prearranged agreement. Typically a girl wants to travel somewhere exotic and can't afford it (or can but doesn't want to pay). A guy would pay anything agreed from flights, visa, accom, food, tours etc and receiving anything from friendly companionship to 'bedroom benefits' depending on what he's negotiated. The girl receives her holiday. Win-win if that is your thing but I wouldn't expect a wife from it  There is a reason people advise against travelling early in a relationship 

Of course there could be split bills so you both pay half and can benefit from accommodation savings but that is probably the rare case. On the other end of the spectrum she would even get her fee from the guy on top of the free holiday if it's an international escort.

A lot of dating sites have a travel section which is pretty much just a smaller version of what I just described.

There would of course be the usual scammers to watch out for polluting the 'legit offerings'.

[ML]

Any bet on when their 'monthly days' would be.

[Gator]

I sailed with my business partner several times in the Caribbean and along the East Coast.  Frequently one would see offers tacked to a  bulletin board at  notable yachting clubs of  young women who could assist in sailing.  These were not scams as a yacht owner would call the young woman and meet her before deciding to embark together.  I suppose the arrangements were negotiated.  You know, such options as "Around the World."

[TagUrIt898]

Where there's a will, there's a way to be scammed.lol If you have disposable income and you're NOT looking for a real connection. I supposed this is the perfect place for someone.

[ML]

such options as "Around the World."

Hey . . . let's try to keep it clean here.

But on a related note:  Have you been to the 'House of Seven Knots?'

[GatoMoon]

I'm currently subscription for a month in Travel Girls (is there for a week already) - 3rd time, but I don't expect a big change.

Ukrainian girls - most of them want luxury holidays - Dubai, Maldives, and write 'NO ESCORT' on their description lol.  Still haven't found a genuine Ukrainian woman who wants 'true intelligent' travel rather than luxurious holidays (Dubai, The Maldives, on a yacht, etc).  They are beach bums!   

Even one potential scammer from Rovno as she said  (probably lie) wants to visit UK in February.  I told her that I am happy to invite her, providing I will visit her first in her country.  She refused and told me that she won't have time.  OK, I said  "I'll buy a ticket for you"  She said 'Better to send me money, and I'll buy the ticket.  It's cheaper'    WTF !!!

[jone]

GatoMoon,

When I looked at that site, there were at least 1/3rd of the gals who were scammers.  It was pretty evident by what their response rate was.  If the women were responding to everyone, chances are that they were a scammer.  If they were selective in who they responded to, then they probably weren't. 

We recently did a thread on what was put in your profile.  My advice is to put that you are not interested in escort services and that you are not interested in pro-daters.  (Unless you are.) If you ask for a normal relationship up front, then you don't have to worry about getting the hustlers.   

[ML]

If you ask for a normal relationship up front, then you don't have to worry about getting the hustlers.

That sounds a little optimistic; or even naive, don't you think.

[jone]

Well, ML, given your history, the only way you would find out if they were serious enough is by kissing them within twenty minutes of meeting.   

[GatoMoon]

GatoMoon,

When I looked at that site, there were at least 1/3rd of the gals who were scammers.  It was pretty evident by what their response rate was.  If the women were responding to everyone, chances are that they were a scammer.  If they were selective in who they responded to, then they probably weren't. 

We recently did a thread on what was put in your profile.  My advice is to put that you are not interested in escort services and that you are not interested in pro-daters.  (Unless you are.) If you ask for a normal relationship up front, then you don't have to worry about getting the hustlers.

The admin (Justina) is good at removing them.  I had to report about this Rovno girl, and she was removed immediately.

Yes, true in your reply, but I do not mind having travel companion as long as she is genuinely INTERESTED in travelling rather than doing it for the money.  That's why I have re-joined, for 1 more go!    You can see many women have endless lists, so obviously she doesn't know of her top priority.   Even one of them claims to be a professional photographer, she put down 'Dubai' as her only destinations, not even photography paradise countries!!!

Ukrainian citizens do not require visa to most of South american countries, including Argentina and also to Namibia.  Namibia has one of the most beautiful landscape country in the world for all photograhers!!!  Paradise to them!!

[2tallbill]

I'm currently subscription for a month in Travel Girls (is there for a week already) - 3rd time, but I don't expect a big change.

Ukrainian girls - most of them want luxury holidays - Dubai, Maldives, and write 'NO ESCORT' on their description lol.  Still haven't found a genuine Ukrainian woman who wants 'true intelligent' travel rather than luxurious holidays (Dubai, The Maldives, on a yacht, etc).  They are beach bums!   

Even one potential scammer from Rovno as she said  (probably lie) wants to visit UK in February.  I told her that I am happy to invite her, providing I will visit her first in her country.  She refused and told me that she won't have time.  OK, I said  "I'll buy a ticket for you"  She said 'Better to send me money, and I'll buy the ticket.  It's cheaper'    WTF !!!

When I looked at that site, there were at least 1/3rd of the gals who were scammers.  It was pretty evident by what their response rate was.  If the women were responding to everyone, chances are that they were a scammer.  If they were selective in who they responded to, then they probably weren't. 

If you ask for a normal relationship up front, then you don't have to worry about getting the hustlers.   

It's very difficult to scam a guy who doesn't allow himself to be scammed.
Mamba has the same feature for travel and far more members. Unless a
guy is looking for a sex vacation with a sketchy girl then I would recommend
avoiding the site.

Just my two kopecks,

Bill

[GatoMoon]

It's very difficult to scam a guy who doesn't allow himself to be scammed.
Mamba has the same feature for travel and far more members. Unless a
guy is looking for a sex vacation with a sketchy girl then I would recommend
avoiding the site.

Just my two kopecks,

Bill

Yeah, just 1 more month - then no more ever again!!  3 more weeks to go

[Gator]

Gato,

I did much traveling with a few RW over several years.  I first developed a relationship.  And I did not seek them on such sites as Travel Girls (the name says it all). 

I recommend you seek women through the more reputable agencies.  Search for women who are adventurous, have no children, and are not constrained by a very demanding job.  Develop a relationship by first meeting them in their city.  If that goes well, most serious RW/UW  will be happy to travel with their "Western boyfriend." 

Again, you really need to know the woman very well  before embarking on a travel holiday with her.  If not you may find yourself in a  "Holiday from hell."  You will be miserable every day, will have wasted $2-3,000, and lost some time you can never replace.   

I have missed much of your background.  What is your goal?  Marriage or travel? 

[Gator]

Yeah, just 1 more month - then no more ever again!!  3 more weeks to go

The alcoholic saying "just one  drink," the smoker saying "just one cigarette."  Stop now and turn over a new leaf.  Do not procrastinate.   

[GatoMoon]

Gato,

I did much traveling with a few RW over several years.  I first developed a relationship.  And I did not seek them on such sites as Travel Girls (the name says it all). 

I recommend you seek women through the more reputable agencies.  Search for women who are adventurous, have no children, and are not constrained by a very demanding job.  Develop a relationship by first meeting them in their city.  If that goes well, most serious RW/UW  will be happy to travel with their "Western boyfriend." 

Again, you really need to know the woman very well  before embarking on a travel holiday with her.  If not you may find yourself in a  "Holiday from hell."  You will be miserable every day, will have wasted $2-3,000, and lost some time you can never replace.   

I have missed much of your background.  What is your goal?  Marriage or travel?

Marriage is my top priority, and to travel with her too, but am open to a travel companion with a future ' friend' if I couldn't find the right girl for 'marriage'

As for the 'luxury' travel, I'm saving it for 'honeymoon'

[Arti99]

five years ago I have created an antiscam project http://www.antiarnaques.org/en and now my site has hundreds of visitors daily and about 30000 profiles of scammers from Russia and Ukraine.

So I know pretty everything about dating scam.

As for travelgirls the ratio of genuine profiles is rather high, but surprisingly this is a problem as most scammers use fake identity and with our identity check module http://antiarnaques.org/verification-de-lidentite-des-femmes.htm it's easy to find out if the girl really exsits. As for travelgirls they are mostly genuine but the goel is the same - to cheat foreigners and they do it in a more smart way. So, double attention at travelgirls