Dodgy-looking Saint Petersburg site

[Bruno]

Point made, thank you!

OK, second round ... Since a agency is accused to be a scam, i have wish know the reply of the agency to these treat... so, below a copy of the e-mail receive a few minutes ago :

Dear Bruno,

Thank you for your message.

I can understand your doubts regarding this accusation.
I have heard a lot about the marriage agencies in Russia who works not fairly.

Our agency has worked for 8 years and only 2 years named as "Love-Formula".
In the agency you can find more than 1500 real ladies profiles.
We have representative agencies in 9 countries in Europe and USA.
So we have the great experience in this field.
On our site there are only a little part of the ladies profiles,
as not all ladies are interested to put their profiles on Internet sites.
Every day we receive hundred letters from foreign men who is corresponding with the ladies from our agency.
That's why we need good translators from English, German, French, Italian and Spanish languages to help
people in their communications.
It is not usual in Russia, that people have PC at home.
The ladies come to our agency to send their emails to the men and our translators help them
to make correct and fast translation.

I am proud that I can offer the good salary to the employees and I don't see anything bad in that.

I would appreciate if you post my reply on Internet site.
I hope I can help you to make clear the work of the agency "Love-Formula".

If you have any questions, please, feel free to e-mail me at info@love-formula.com
 
I am looking forward to hearing for you soon.

Best regards,
Elena

General Manager

- Agency exist from 8 years ago, but it is only two year named "Love-Formula"... seem that it explain the copyright 2005 for a new site !!!
- 1500 profiles... seem that the 85 on the site is only the upper side of the iceberg... several agency work without internet or only a advert page... catalogue are paper catalogue or CD...
- Have local agency in Europe and USA... not a little business... and for information, in several european country, you need a license for open a official marriage agency... they need to follow rules writen in laws...

I hope that these letter from the agency reply to some doubts and questions... if you have other questions, post them here on the forum and weekly, i go forward them to the agency owner... and i will post the reply here...

[andrewfi]

Boobs ~ You seem a touch agitated. Is something the matter?

[jb]

Is it any worse than reading your semi-literate commentary:
'prose,,,how absotively and posolutly droll.

I'm so happy I've finally graduated to "semi-literate" I could just sh!t.  I thought it was very punny.

I didn't even consider that Yankee b*sh*t worth a reply.

I think Boobs should realize some of us were dealing with the Russians while he was still trying to figure out which side of the Queens arse he should kiss, right, left, or centerline.  Living in St. Pete for 4 years puts him a leg up on most, but not all.  Hell, I've been married to my Russian wife for more years than that.  There are several members here who have years more experience with Russians than he does.  I think it would behoove him to think of that next time he gets to feeling all superior and uppity.

It's just that I've just been watching you, Andrew, chasten us on this side of the pond for about 6 or 7 years now as we misspell words like color, and honor, I thought it was hilarious to see you run amok with a fellow Brit over nothing more serious than words...  Go ahead and have at it, beat each other's brains out, I consider it high entertainment.

[bobs12]

How can I compete with such brick-sharp wit flying at me from so many directions?

Okay Bruno, I give in. The agency must be real if it says so. And of course, having a computer at home is SUCH a rarity here, I should have thought of that... and internet cafes are just SO few and far between in St. Petersburg... All my terrible mistake, sorry.

JB - Since we're now having a measuring match, which country have you lived in with your Russian wife all those long years? If not in Russia, multiply your countless years with one Russian by my few years living with several million, add a few on from my three-year 'dealings' with Russians before I arrived...

But I didn't say anything about being here longer or knowing more about Russia than anyone here, I pointed out a suss-looking advert.

I get this funny feeling that there's some kind of resentment in you: 'Living in St. Pete for 4 years puts him a leg up on most, but not all.  Hell, I've been married to my Russian wife for more years than that.' Was I trying to get my leg up on you, or anyone? Hell, I'd rather get a leg up on my mother in law.

It seems someone feels threatened or challenged? Well, I'm not out to make anyone feel inferior, but if you feel your authority threatened, sorry. I can't help your complexes. If you think living in Russia for four years is something to give a person a 'leg up' over you, or your living with a Russian woman gives you a leg up over someone else (who didn't import a mail order wife from the other side of the world), you need to get an urgent reality check.

AF - why can't you be as witty as JB?

[jb]

Boobs,

It was the "Yankee b*sh*t" comment that set me off.  Usually when we see that coming from a Brit, we batten down the hatches and brace for heavy rolls.

[Bruno]

How can I compete with such brick-sharp wit flying at me from so many directions?

Bobs, it is not a problem of competition... simply knowing the true the goal... is these agency a scam or not... About personal attack and/or insult, don't take care of them...

Okay Bruno, I give in. The agency must be real if it says so.

Very simple for you to control if the agency is real of not... next time that you are in St Petersburg for teach english, take a look at :
LOVE-FORMULA
Russia, 191014,
St.Petersburg,
Nekrasova str., 40, 3th floor,
tel. +7 (812) 275-32-00

And of course, having a computer at home is SUCH a rarity here, I should have thought of that... and internet cafes are just SO few and far between in St. Petersburg...

Why do you think that woman use agency...

First, some cannot use a computer... same here in Belgium, a "modern" western country, i have friend without computer... internet and e-mail is unknow territory for them.

Second, women use agency for the translation service ( that men pay )... not all lady master the english language, you have a lot of work to do next time in St Peterburg.

At last, some women don't wish use free service like freepersonals.ru, since several of the free service attract a lot of mental ill people ( both women and men )... I have run a free marriage agency and my main work was remove scammer from both side...

Now, about internet and computer... my girlfriend have a computer home... but she is not able to use it for internet when she wish since the phone line is shared between two appartment... and for reduce the expense, she have use pre-paid card, for the night only ( cheaper ).

For women, agency and translation service is a help, who is almost free ( no internet expense, no translator )... a beautifull lady will use a lot of money or time for translate letter from internet cafe or home computer...

All my terrible mistake, sorry.

Question or doubt are no mistake ! But  having a closed mind who allow you to accept only the reply that you are waiting is a mistake. You have make these topic because you believe that these agency is a scam but you don't accept other point of view... maybe you are right, maybe you are wrong but the element bring by you are not evidence for accuse someone to be a scam !

[bobs12]

Boobs,

It was the "Yankee b*sh*t" comment that set me off.  Usually when we see that coming from a Brit, we batten down the hatches and brace for heavy rolls.

No worries. It was the 'Brit' label that lit my fuse, hence the Yankee retort. Now, had you said 'a Scot and a Brit', that would have been something I'd have just laughed at Calling a Scot a Brit in a derogatory manner is akin to calling an Estonian a 'Russky', and it's a good idea only ever to do it in electronic form!

Bruno - the thread long since went off-topic and stopped being about whether the agency is a scam or not. Those comments are entirely unrelated to me 'competing' to enforce my opinion, or accusation as you put it.

I wouldn't say that "Does that look dodgy or what?" constitutes much of an accusation. No matter what, I still think it looks dodgy as hell. I'm not saying you have to think the same. I put the post out here for people to make their minds up, it came this far because people jumped on it and argued it away from the original post.

I live here in SPb all the time Bruno, it's my home. I have no doubt that the agency's office exists at that address, and since I don't have any personal need to know whether they're real or not (there are more Russian women here than I could possibly want, I certainly don't need an agency to find me more of them) I don't plan to go visiting. I don't see how that would confirm that the agency is 'real', but anyway, let it lie.

[Phil dAmore]

Hmmm... Ya know, an enterprising sortliving in St. Petersburg could take this job and then use the inside data to discreetly report which girls are the scammers...


... and since my previous employer has disappeared I am in need of some employment...

.. might have a little trouble passing for a 21-28 yo woman though

[catzenmouse]

Hmmm... Ya know, an enterprising sortliving in St. Petersburg could take this job and then use the inside data to discreetly report which girls are the scammers...

... and since my previous employer has disappeared I am in need of some employment...

.. might have a little trouble passing for a 21-28 yo woman though

Nah, just grab a few pictures of some European model and away you go. Most Americans wouldn't know the difference. You are now a 20 something beautiful Russian woman who is looking for a generous man over 50. Just remember: You have a friend that can get you a visa for X dollars. Another friend can make sure you get a cheap ticket but you have to pay in cash. Your grandmother has had an accident and needs an operation. And don't forget lots of kisses and I love you's.

 Should put you back in the black quite quickly...

Ken

[bobs12]

Phil you crayzy Amerrikan!

You couldn't pass for a 21-28 yo anything  How's life?! Who disappeared? Need work?

A couple of years ago I thought about doing some Russian Woman scams. Now I see how easy it is! lol No wonder people get stung.

[TheHorseman]

I seem to have missed a lot in this thread.... I might have to read back a bit. 

Bruno.... I can verify that Bob does indeed live and work in St Petes.  He also has a very attractive girlfriend living with him.  He knows the city like the back of his hand and I would suggest that if he thinks that a buisness sound fishy or he has questions about it, it might be worth listening to him at least until you find out for sure.  I am sure that for a fee he could start checking up on thing for people NOT LIVING in St Petes to save them a lot of trouble.

I on the other hand don't know anything about St Petes,,, only having been there for 5 day to visit Bob.  There are enough we didn't have any problems finding the internet cafes.  I doubt the women do living there do either.  The cost of the cafe might be a problem for some of the women though.

Now if I have completely miss on the topic,,, sorry... I will try to pay more attention next time and follow along.

[Phil dAmore]

Hey Bobs!

Didn't Ed tell you?  My employer of 3 years decided to up and close the school one week before the end of the school year and promptly absconded with not only my (and everyone elses) last 3 weeks of pay, she also took  all of the tuition that was pre-paid for the next school year with her.

Best guess is she is in Bulgaria with her husband and child.

At some point we will need to sit down and discuss revamping my website.  You did a great job on Ed's site.

If I go back into teaching it will be private lessons only.  I am not cut out for the classroom.  At all.  The boys are a pain in the попка, and the girls are... distracting.  Better to stick with adult students who actually want to learn English.

I'll be around the city through the end of August so give me a call.  Ed has my number and I'm usually home.

[Bruno]

Bruno.... I can verify that Bob does indeed live and work in St Petes.  He also has a very attractive girlfriend living with him.  He knows the city like the back of his hand and I would suggest that if he thinks that a buisness sound fishy or he has questions about it, it might be worth listening to him at least until you find out for sure.  I am sure that for a fee he could start checking up on thing for people NOT LIVING in St Petes to save them a lot of trouble.

 

So if i good understand you, people like me, not living in St Peterburgs will need pay a fee for be sure that what Bob say about these other business is true or not...

Seem really crazy... he accuse a other business in St Peterburgs, but he is not willing check or visit them...

Read back the rule of the forum "Scammers and Suspect Agencies"...
http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=52.0

Please be very circumspect about posting in this section. Also be prepared to defend your claims of scamming activity. While I feel that identification of scammers is a worthwhile service to readers of the board, I am also sensitive to the possibility that some people might interpret innocent behaviors as scamming activity directed at them.

If Bob is ready to expose evidence in exchange of a fee, it is business related and his post have nothing to make in these section...

[Bruno]

I on the other hand don't know anything about St Petes,,, only having been there for 5 day to visit Bob.  There are enough we didn't have any problems finding the internet cafes.  I doubt the women do living there do either.  The cost of the cafe might be a problem for some of the women though.

Cost of internet cafe are enough low... but women who are not able to write/translate english letter need to pay someone for make it... this can become expensive... a beautiful young lady can receive several letters day...

With a agency, letter are translated, reply are translated and it is the man who pay! This is the real difference between a internet cafe and a agency !

[bobs12]

Seem really crazy... he accuse a other business in St Peterburgs, but he is not willing check or visit them...

Uh... Why would I want to visit them, and how would visiting an agency prove that it's real or a scam anyway? Do you think they have all their women in filing cabinets or in cages or something?

Principle is simple. Here we go again... the advert didn't actually mention translating as part of the duty. It said 'writing letters' and 'holding electronic correspondence'. That is not 'translating', that is writing letters. It would be pretty wild to advertise on that site for a letter writer when you need a translator.

So, I can start an agency, open an office, and advertise for girls to write letters at $400 - $700/month. As long as Bruno comes and sees that I have an office, everything's okay. I'm delivering exactly what I say I am - you pay me money, I let you write to Russian girls. No laws are broken and it's not a scam.

I read the posting rules mate. I posted, and I'm defending. However, I ain't trekking out to friggin' Nekrasova just to confirm that the office exists.


Phil - Ed didn't say anything! That the BS? Go on to my site, esl.visarus.co.uk register, find BS in the School Directory for Russia & leave them a big fat review. Just keep it clean & to the point & balanced so people won't think you're a nut (as if they would  ).

***Added after accidentally hitting 'post' ******

 - No, wait, not BS but Kronshtadt? What you doing now?

Will - Thanks I reckon some of these guys would want their money back if I didn't tell them what they want to hear Waiting for some info on that address... will keep you posted cos I think this is about to get really funny!

[bobs12]

If Bob is ready to expose evidence in exchange of a fee, it is business related and his post have nothing to make in these section...

Have I asked for any money? Some people have an IQ lower than room temperature.

[Love-Formula]

Bob, I see that you are still interested in my agency.
I would be happy if you visit us next week!
If you are a MAN and not just a suspicious person, then you will come.
It is my personal invitation to you. You are welcome!!!
Hope to see you soon!
Elena

[TheHorseman]

Cost of internet cafe are enough low... but women who are not able to write/translate english letter need to pay someone for make it... this can become expensive... a beautiful young lady can receive several letters day.

When is the last time you were in an internet cafe in St Petes Bruno?  They charge 40 rub for 30 minutes.  The young woman I have staying with me at the moment speaks very good english and reads very fast, but I met her in an internet cafe trying to write a simple letter to her friend.  I noticed that it took her more that than the 30 minutes I was there to write a short letter in English.  Though they may speak good english and read quickly, they still think in Russian.  It takes them time to figure out exactly what is said and what is meant and to reply eactly with what they want to say.  

So at about $3 an hour to use the internet cafe,,, I fail to see were they are cheap enough for someone that may only make $200 - $400 a month (If they have an average paying job)  Specially if as you say,,,"Pretty girls can recieve several letters a day"


But I guess they can get a job working for the Agency that needs letter writers and pays $400 - $700 a month.  

Bob, I see that you are still interested in my agency.
I would be happy if you visit us next week!
If you are a MAN and not just a suspicious person, then you will come.
It is my personal invitation to you. You are welcome!!!
Hope to see you soon!
Elena

Maybe I should check this one out for you Bob!!!!  She is cutie.  Might be worth the trip back....... 

[bobs12]

If you are a MAN and not just a suspicious person, then you will come.

Елена- Огромное Вам спасибо за очень милое приглашение. Прежде чем принять его, я хотел бы выяснить заранее, в чем будет цель предлагаемой Вами встречи. Чай, кофе?

Если это для того, чтобы я потом всем рассказал, что Ваше агенство 100% "настоящее", то как Вы меня убедите в этом?

Надеюсь Ваши намерения не слишком доброжелательные, и что Вы лично не будете там испытывать мое "МУЖЕСТВО"...  Кстати, причем здесь вопрос, "МУЖЧИНА" ли я, или просто недоверчивый? Я и тот и другой. Разве недоверчивый человек не может быть МУЖЧИНОЙ с большими буквами? Или Вы считаете наивность чертой МУЖЕСТВА?

Если просто для знакомствa или приятной беседы, то извините. Работы много и времени мало.

Жду Вашего ответа,

Bobs

[Bruno]

Principle is simple. Here we go again... the advert didn't actually mention translating as part of the duty. It said 'writing letters' and 'holding electronic correspondence'. That is not 'translating', that is writing letters. It would be pretty wild to advertise on that site for a letter writer when you need a translator.

Dear Bob, you really wish to win and begin use false argument for reach these goal... take a look again at the advert at http://www.rabota.ru/view/vacancy/8338510/ ... the title of the advert, type by the people who post the advert is :
 
Переводчик (от 400 до 700 USD)

This is translated by :

Translator (from 400 to 700 USD)

So, people seeking a work and using Rabota.ru will first see "Translator (from 400 to 700 USD)"... Why do you analyse the text of only one part of the advert... From the tiel of the advert, it is clear that they seek a translator... of course, you choose to ignore these first line since it don't past with the rest of your argument.

So, I can start an agency, open an office, and advertise for girls to write letters at $400 - $700/month. As long as Bruno comes and sees that I have an office, everything's okay. I'm delivering exactly what I say I am - you pay me money, I let you write to Russian girls. No laws are broken and it's not a scam.

First, the advert ask clearly for a translator... by visiting the agency and having a tour of the office, you will be able to see that they have nothing to hide... by example, you will be able to see translator translating letter from men and girls... not busy to build imaginary letter...

[Bruno]

Have I asked for any money? Some people have an IQ lower than room temperature.

Your friend Horseman say it :

Bruno.... I can verify that Bob does indeed live and work in St Petes.  He also has a very attractive girlfriend living with him.  He knows the city like the back of his hand and I would suggest that if he thinks that a buisness sound fishy or he has questions about it, it might be worth listening to him at least until you find out for sure.  I am sure that for a fee he could start checking up on thing for people NOT LIVING in St Petes to save them a lot of trouble.

[Bruno]

Если просто для знакомствa или приятной беседы, то извините. Работы много и времени мало.

Bob, if you have the time to publish "accusation" here on the forum and post in other topic, it will certainly not a problem to find a little time to meet the people who work in these agency. After this little visit, you will be able to post your report here!

[Bruno]

It is my personal invitation to you. You are welcome!!!
Hope to see you soon!
Elena

Hello Elena, welcome to RWD... i hope that you don't have a bad idea of these forum due to these topic... RWD is and will always be a valuable ressource for man seeking a bride in Russia.

Since it exist bogus agency and scammer lady, it is normal that some people become very suspicious... myself, i was very curious when i have contact you the first time... due to these topic...

In any case, feel yourself free to post in other section if you have some free time... by example, at http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?board=37.0 , people try to build some guideline for men, women, and agency...

Again, i wish you welcome 

Maybe I should check this one out for you Bob!!!!  She is cutie.  Might be worth the trip back.......  Shocked

Not sure... Elena is the General manager... nothing say that she is free or seeking a foreign husband... About the "She is a cutie", i agree but a lot of FSU women are cute  and the more cute is my ukrainian girlfriend 

[bobs12]

Bruno... you continue to dazzle me. Did Will say I asked anyone to pay me?

"Если просто для знакомствa или приятной беседы, то извините. Работы много и времени мало."

Means "If you just want to meet me or have a pleasant chat, I don't have time." Don't presume to tell me that I have time to waste to go for a chat just because I can waste it replying to you   I can post wherever I like while I'm translating from home. It's kinda hard to translate on the way to the centre of town for a meeting in an agency that won't prove you right or me wrong.

There's every possiblity Elena's 100% above board. I just don't think so. Am I allowed that? Let's agree that you believe it's genuine and I don't. I haven't entered into a contract to run around town for you. Go check rabota.ru and see that they've got new job adverts. Now, why would they change them if there was nothing wrong with them in the first place?

What would you choose as a title for an advert if you were looking for a person to write letters in English? Letter-Writer? I doubt they made a typo.

[TheHorseman]

Well I am not joining in on either side of whether or not some thing is legit.  

However Bruno:  You seem to not understand American humor.  Which is not surprising,,,,, Most Europeans don't.  When I said she was a cutie..... I didn't intend to suggest that she may be availible.  IT WAS A JOKE.  When I said that he would be willing to check things out for you for a fee,,,,, IT WAS A JOKE.  I realize you are taking everything literally.  But sometimes things Western folks say are "AS WE SAY" Tonge in cheek.  This means with an amount of sarcastic humor.  You should be a little use to that from this site... It seems to be full of it!