How do I avoid being scammed?

There are no magic answers for avoiding a scam.
There are some common suggestions that can greatly reduce your chances.

• Don't mention money and possesions - When writing avoid the mention of your salary, the cost of your home or all that you own. There is no immediate reason to share this information. If asked for any reasons mention that you make enough to support yourself, a wife and family. All you need to do is make sure she understands you have a stable job and can pay your bills. The rest should not be shared if you wish to avoid possible problems.
  
  
• Look out for signals. Cries for help or money. These are often preceded by a warm up of sexually live letters, or photos and suggestive content. Trying to get you on the hook as it were. Then suddenly a sick mother, aunt or the appearance of lost relatives she must go visit and doesn't have the money.
  
  
• A deadline for a request for money - Like a good salesmen a scammer knows that she must close the deal to get the money. So she will give you a deadline of sorts to get you to react quickly. The less time to think about your answer the better for her. "I need money be this Friday or they will turn off my Internet connection" and "If I get the money for the Visa tomorrow they can promise I will get one so I can come to be with you my love" are just two examples of this.
  
  
• Never send money - If asked for money do not send it! We suggest a polite reply and observe the response or possible disappearance act. If you like you can tell her nicely you wish you could help out in her situation but are unable to at this time.
  
  
• Miracle Visa - If she mentions a miracle visa that will let her into your country but needs money tell her that is wonderful and you hope to see her but you don't have the money to help her at this time. Tell her you prefer to get to know each other over a longer period of time before doing that. If she stops writing consider that a good thing and do not go chasing. If, by the way, that miracle visa will be getting her into the US forget it. Those visas are on the same shelf as those weight loss pills and Grow-me-hair tonics that actually work - They don't exist!
  
  
• Don't rush the relationship - Take your time and get to know her. If someone, anyone is a scammer they would rather not waste time on long drawn out targets. They need to see some turn over for their time and effort. This does not mean they won't hang around for a long stretch. If they think you might give them money later.
  
  
• Large age differences - Don't go chasing some girl that is 20 if you are 65. It doesn't mean she is a scammer but the greater the age difference the more you should consider her motives for continuing the relationship. It is NOT TRUE that they all prefer older men. Yes, many just like women in the US or other countries do appreciate an older man because of his experiences, stability and ability to share his love. But think three times about a 20-year difference or more. There are happy couples with greater differences but be cautious.