My third time meeting the same scenario. How do I behave?

[Taisiya]

Hello everyone! Let me tell you one story. I reside in Odessa and work as an interpreter. It's my third time that I work for a foreign man coming from the US this summer and the one who's meeting a girl from Anastasiaweb again...

I meet the same scenario which is a pure 100% fraud/scam/crap (call it whatever you want) but I wouldn't want to share it with them. WHY would you ask? Because:

- they are too much in love with letters, pictures and personalities they met on Internet that they would not believe or even listen to me. If they trust me, then I would give them an idea I am jealous or something...
- I would become a #1 enemy for them (it's not the money matter though)
- the scenario is quite innocent but I know what's "behind the curtain"

And when the men in the end realize it was just a money shakedown and someone's making business on them... WHAT WOULD I SAY THEN? I knew it? Then I would hate myself...

You know, being with someone and working with someone is always a good money deal but I do not want people pay money for cheating themselves! What would you do on my side? I really do not want to participate in it, but my customers prefer having me as a translator because Anastasia interpreters cost double price I offer them...

P.S. I do not want to post real names because it would offend those persons which I am not intended to do. I will not go into any scenario discussions because men who came to Odessa might be participating in this forum. The rest I am open to discuss both in pm or on here.

[Ravens9273]

I would keep this simple. Explain to the Men you are just simply an interpretor and not a match maker. Let them know you are not responsible for scams run by agencies nor is their success your responsibility. You are merely there to interpret conversation and possibly help them around the city.

You cannot take responsibility for what happens at any agency. It is not your business. I think this is fair to establish to any man upfront. You offer a service at a lower rate then the agency hower the fact if a lady is real or not is not your fault since they met the person outside of you.
In a sense you can explain it is a benefit to use you over a agency translator because you will give real translation and not a fantasy that the agency wants to portray to keep money coming in from a fake lady. At least with you they get the truth and real deal even if it is bad news. At least then they will not be wasting anymore money on a fake lady.

[BillyB]

What would you do on my side?

Although you are hired as a translator, you should ask the man before a job that if he wants your personal opinion on a woman he's dating, you're willing to give it. If he says "No", then just translate.

If he says "yes", you could tell him the good or bad of a lady such as if she's courteous or rude to people such as food servers. Just tell him your observations but be careful not to accuse a woman of a scam unless you have a very good reason.

You could give him tips on what to look out for in a woman and it's up to him to decided to listen or not. Better yet you could send him to this forum to read and learn or ask questions about a woman he's not so sure about and we could beat some sense into him so you don't have to be the bearer of bad news.

[Gator]

Taisiya,

I tend to agree with the thoughts presented by Ravens and Billy.  I suggest that you should somehow speed the time it takes for a man to realize he has been scammed so he is able to salvage some of his vacation in Odessa. 

Are there not any reputable agencies working in Odessa where you could steer him when the inevitable hits home?.

[JR]

You are not responsible for the actions or beliefs of others. If you are honest and fair with your clients then you are fullfilling your obligations. (as you pointed out, they won't listen to you anyways) If they ask your opinion state it simply and keep it short.

Look at it this way: you are saving them money by charging half what the agency terp would be charging. And you are NOT actively promoting the scam the way an agency terp would be.

Think of it this way: "There are none so blind as those who refuse to see." All you can do is try to keep the damage to a minimun by not overcharging the fools who come to your country.

Kudos to you for being honest!

[Taisiya]

Explain to the Men you are just simply an interpretor and not a match maker. Let them know you are not responsible for scams run by agencies nor is their success your responsibility. You are merely there to interpret conversation and possibly help them around the city.

-They know it and that's the main reason why they hire me. They want me not only as their interpreter, but as their friend who can give some advice, tips and let them know what's going on around. But I never do bother them with it. I just try to do what I am paid for because if I talk too much, I am not a professional. And I actually think this is not my business, so I always try to do my work and get no emotions involved.

You cannot take responsibility for what happens at any agency. It is not your business. I think this is fair to establish to any man upfront. You offer a service at a lower rate then the agency hower the fact if a lady is real or not is not your fault since they met the person outside of you.

Do I say that I am better than Anastasia interpreter? This would sound as an advert for sure. You know, if they understood at least some Russian, they would understand the accuracy of the translations in comparison. But my point is beyond the defence. Actually there was not a single Anastasia agent who never invited me to participate in their business. I would always deny it because working for my own is a better alternative ever and cheating people who pay my bills is a pure scam.

In a sense you can explain it is a benefit to use you over a agency translator because you will give real translation and not a fantasy that the agency wants to portray to keep money coming in from a fake lady. At least with you they get the truth and real deal even if it is bad news. At least then they will not be wasting anymore money on a fake lady.
[/quote]

I still have no idea how I can tell them about that. If I explain the whole thing, this would sound as though I am trying to justify my soul of being innocent. Some would believe, some would not. There's no guarantee they trust me 100%.

[Taisiya]

Better yet you could send him to this forum to read and learn or ask questions about a woman he's not so sure about and we could beat some sense into him so you don't have to be the bearer of bad news.

I shall think about it. Thank you.

[Taisiya]

Taisiya,

I tend to agree with the thoughts presented by Ravens and Billy.  I suggest that you should somehow speed the time it takes for a man to realize he has been scammed so he is able to salvage some of his vacation in Odessa.  

Are there not any reputable agencies working in Odessa where you could steer him when the inevitable hits home?.

I have never met a totally true operating agency in Odessa yet

[Taisiya]

You are not responsible for the actions or beliefs of others. If you are honest and fair with your clients then you are fullfilling your obligations. (as you pointed out, they won't listen to you anyways) If they ask your opinion state it simply and keep it short.

Look at it this way: you are saving them money by charging half what the agency terp would be charging. And you are NOT actively promoting the scam the way an agency terp would be.

Think of it this way: "There are none so blind as those who refuse to see." All you can do is try to keep the damage to a minimun by not overcharging the fools who come to your country.

Kudos to you for being honest!

This is absolutely my position on this point and I do keep as close to it as I can. Thank you, JollyRats

[Doll]

Although you are hired as a translator, you should ask the man before a job that if he wants your personal opinion on a woman he's dating, you're willing to give it. If he says "No", then just translate.

The translator's job is to translate and only. I don't consider it professional to tell the men anything at all (or the women). It is just your job!

[Doll]

I still have no idea how I can tell them about that. If I explain the whole thing, this would sound as though I am trying to justify my soul of being innocent. Some would believe, some would not. There's no guarantee they trust me 100%.

One more time- just translate if you don't want to loose your job.I am not being rude- it is just a very simple HR rule for everybody.

[Taisiya]

One more time- just translate if you don't want to loose your job.I am not being rude- it is just a very simple HR rule for everybody.

I think I totally agee to it. If I could ask moderator please close this topic for me

[GoodOlBoy]

I have never met a totally true operating agency in Odessa yet

You seem like a sincere person with a conscience, why don't you open one (reputable agency) yourself?

GOB

BTW.......Welcome to RWD.

[Taisiya]

I am working with some ladies and men providing communication services in their correspondence and stuff, but I wouldn't run my own agency because with each time girls become more capricious, they are more into money matter and I'm afraid it's not fair to carry responsibilities for the girls since I do not know what's on their mind. It's just beyond my control which I do not think I'd handle. I want to stick to business where I do not have to cheat someone to get the money for.
I know a few ladies who are mature, good looking and they are truly interested in getting married and moving, but that's not enough to start an agency. I will certainly think of posting their profiles on my website. Maybe someone's going to have any interest. Anyway, if there is someone who is looking for their second half in Odessa, I can probably help. We will see

[BillyB]

my website.

Go to your profile and post your website in your signature line so people can see what you offer. Participate at this forum helping people when you can will boost your credibility and help your business.

[Taisiya]

Thanks for a good idea, BillyB. It's much appreciated. Will do it right now... 

[BillyB]

Thanks for a good idea, BillyB. It's much appreciated. Will do it right now... 

Taisiya, I see Natalia's photo but where's yours?

Do you and other interpreters have many of your clients flirting with you and even begin to fall in love with you? If so, how to you and the other ladies keep things professional if you're not attracted to the man? If you are attracted to the man, to you still keep things professional or do you let yourself fall in love?

[Taisiya]

Taisiya, I see Natalia's photo but where's yours?
------
Good question, thanks, BillyB! I have never thought of posting one, though I have a picture in Skype

------
Do you and other interpreters have many of your clients flirting with you and even begin to fall in love with you? If so, how to you and the other ladies keep things professional if you're not attracted to the man? If you are attracted to the man, to you still keep things professional or do you let yourself fall in love?

------
We always keep to the point when it comes to feelings. Time is money and money pays our bills. But I wouldn't replace any single of my young and damn pretty girls with a thousand of fluent English speaking beasts ))

[Doll]

But I wouldn't replace any single of my young and damn pretty girls with a thousand of fluent English speaking beasts Wink))

What would that mean? "But"?

[Taisiya]

"But" is a strong objection here. For if we say the same in Russian, the "but" would add up more expression to what you say. And, if I say something beyond your understanding, you are welcome to correct me. Thanks, anyway!

[JR]

"But" is a strong objection here. For if we say the same in Russian, the "but" would add up more expression to what you say. And, if I say something beyond your understanding, you are welcome to correct me. Thanks, anyway!

I don't get where the correlation comes in How does this tie into the thread?

[Doll]

"But" is a strong objection here. For if we say the same in Russian, the "but" would add up more expression to what you say. And, if I say something beyond your understanding, you are welcome to correct me. Thanks, anyway!

BTW I am Russian. Still did get your pretty girls vs English speaking beasts.
As for the OP- it is sort of HR thing. You do what you are paid for and nothing else.
I know more than one translator who were fired for having "their opinion"
It makes sense in any business.

[Doll]

I don't get where the correlation comes in How does this tie into the thread?

She explained me why she used "but". I still don't get her point.

[Taisiya]

Let me explain, I was trying to say that having someone pretty and single as your translator can sometimes be a problem if feelings are involved in business. But the girls I work with (mentioned as "damn pretty") are dear to me that I would not have replaced any of them with someone even more fluent at English, even if it were a beast... I hope it makes sense now

[Doll]

Let me explain, I was trying to say that having someone pretty and single as your translator can sometimes be a problem if feelings are involved in business. But the girls I work with (mentioned as "damn pretty") are dear to me that I would not have replaced any of them with someone even more fluent at English, even if it were a beast... I hope it makes sense now

Ok, now I get it