If you, the OP want to date locally or from another State, or internationally, then it's up to you. Now here's some advice: communication is key. Emailing, phoning, video chatting. Also, if you do go the LDR route, make sure you discuss moving early on, one or the other will have to make that move to make it close distance. If neither of you are willing to move, then it's better to find out early on.

When you find out they have lied to you give them what they deserve; being blocked and or also reported.

Don't kid yourself it happens to women all the time too.

It is pretty easy to figure out if someone is willing to work to make a relationship happen. If a person is locked into their location and would not consider bringing in and outsider to their circle of friends/family then things will fizzle.

I married a soldier that bumped us around a lot of places but we did it together and our family always had friends and family with in a short time. Yea we joined a lot of groups and went the extra mile to get along in each new neighborhood but doing a long distance relationship for the possible rewards is way better than settling for someone you don't like and really don't want just because they are local.

And the world is a lot smaller than you think it is. Just about every major city has a Walmart and a church you would attend. Most have a butcher, baker, and a candlestick maker. lol. The bottom line is are you willing to bloom where you are planted or are you going to moan and cry like a calf crying in a rainstorm for his momma?

Scammers are pretty easy to weed out. They will not go tot he trouble to know much more about the culture somewhere beyond what Wickapedia says. Talk about the weather, ask them about their job, or where they went to school. Insist they post a current picture. Their story unravels pretty fast. ANYONE that expects you to foot the bill for the phone calls or the ticket tell to get lost. As far as military keep in mind governments do NOT like to rile the locals and foraging off the land went out with the Roman empire. They have food, clothing, medical, entertainment, and proper military addresses and if they don't want to give that to you then they have lifted a pretty picture and are playing you. International Red Cross will always help military people be in contact with their children and parents so don't buy their sob stories.

Generally people who are desperate to leave their area behind on your nickel are blood suckers that have burned every local resource around and is that really who you want in your life? If they care about you they will work, safe, and get a job transfer and or a scholarship to go to school so they can be near you. They won't plan to lay up on your couch and mooch off you. A good one won't need rescued.

This is exactly why I refuse to give any personal contact info until I am comfortable. I will talk on here as much as they like. when they throw a fit about it, try to talk me into it, or stop talking to me altogether, I've rooted out another one. If they are not a scammer or an a$$hole, they will understand this, and respect my wishes. If not, they are gone and no more worries. I am worth getting to know better in a manner that makes me comfortable.

Is there a special thread for exposing scammer profiles? I'm awesome at finding them