ARIZONA REPUBLIC — Apr 15 — The Russian brunette he met online appeared to be everything Steven Coffman was looking for. He had known her for less than two months. But he was ready to propose. Coffman arranged a visit to the US for the woman, who said her name was Elena. The cost was $2,000, which he thought would cover her visa and travel costs. Then the day came. Coffman went to Sky Harbor Airport. The Russian beauty didn’t ever arrive. "I never thought I could get fooled by something like this," Coffman said. "I know now I was naive.
Mark Brooks: Perhaps he could have flown to Russia and met her…and been duped by the Russian mob. Best to play local. Or, if you do want to date long distance, be mentally prepared to turn your visit to a distant love into a lone holiday.