The Counter-deception Blog

The "ISO Wife/Husband" scams long predated the Internet, but the I'net multiplies the size of the victim pool.

The easiest counter-deception ploy is to "apply" to the same individual with more than one identity. If "Nadia" falls in love with "you" and with another "John" and needs travel money help from both of you, she is either real but dangerously conflicted, or a scammer. "Nadia" the scammer will probably evidence a disturbing similarity in her responses to her various suitors, as the news stories of the Russian bride scams suggest. "Nadia" the conflicted will more likely respond very differently to two very different Johns, simply unable to make a choice.

Queen Elizabeth I sort of invented this bride scam over 400 years ago. Elizabeth used similar pre-morganatic deceptions to maintain relations among potential allies and offset her enemies, promising marriage to various kings to keep them on England's side, or to delay their aggressive moves against Britain. A sort of "promise them anything, but protect the realm" strategy. Many were promised much, but none wed "the Virgin Queen."

Counter-deception often requires some deceptive moves.