Is there a logical explanation to this text situation?

[DFOD]

Connecting with someone new to me in another country by text. Their mobile number is the the country code where they are based. I ask a Q and they immediately reply to me from a UK +44 mobile number. I ignored this for a while and the conversation continued back on the other country mobile. I then ask about the text from the UK mobile and they deny all knowledge despite it being in the language we are conversing in and a direct and specific response to a Q I asked.

Background they don’t speak any English although they present as a lawyer in their mid 30s. They have rejected all what’s app video calls but accepted audio even though they can’t speak English. I have called and texted the UK mobile number repeatedly - it doesn’t get answered. This isn’t a romance situation.

Dual sim phone? Do they travel to the UK for any reason so would have a UK sim for cheap calls/texts whilst they are here?
When you call the UK number is it an international dial tone?
Why are you asking?

No international dial tone. They have not been to the UK before. I am in the process of sponsoring them to come to the UK and live with my family through through the Government refugee scheme.

As much as I would wish to support a refugee, I would not be comfortable in this situation and would be withdrawing the offer.

This sounds dodgy as hell.

Sounds dodgy

sounds dodgy, you dont get a uk +44 unless you are in that country (UK)
if you are sponsoring them are you going through a recognised government agency?

I am clutching at straws here but..

There is an organisation based in the UK who collect donations to top up mobile phone credit for refugees.

Is it possible they couldn't top up their country mobile phone & got a UK number to be able to use the free credit?

That doesn't explain why they denied all knowledge though. I am also bemused at them rejecting video calls. That does seem strange. If I was them I would want to see who is sponsoring me.

Are you in touch with an organisation who is coordinating this sponsorship? Can they assist with your queries?

I have registered with the government website. I used this website to find a family.

projectukraine.org.uk/

There are two women.

A mother (50) and her daughter (32/33 - the mother has said she is 32, then 33 then on a photo of a passport she is 32).

The mother is doing most of the texting - says she is in Khakhiv but she sent her daughter (the lawyer) to Lviv to be safe.

Mother said that the daughter wouldn’t be able to text or talk as the signal in Lviv is bad. I am worried it some sort of trafficking? Has my imagination run away with me?

The mother called me on FaceTime an hour after our agreed Zoom call time - said she was eating - didn’t text between to say she would be late and didn’t join zoom even though we will still waiting. The mother looks the same on FaceTime as her passport.

Could they have sent that text through a web based app rather than as a text through their phone?

There isn't a UK government website for matching with refugees yet as far as I know.

The lack of any English of the 33 year old lawyer daughter concerns me. I have had many au pairs from Eastern Europe over the years and their English was great at 18.

There isn’t an agency coordinating. The Government scheme is that you find people yourself.

There are thousands of refugees looking for accommodation. Bin these off guilt free and find some that you have faith in. Are you in Wales or Scotland? If so, the devolved governments will act as super sponsors and you can host refugees via a bona fide government scheme. I'm waiting for that to start here in Wales.

No I am in England.

When I asked about the UK phone. I got a barrage of texts (3 in 3 minutes) followed instantly by a “I suppose you don’t want us now?” I haven’t replied to that yet (6pm) as need to think this through and not heard anything since.

I feel dreadful to be suspicious.

I would say you need to have a video call with them to proceed further.

I get why you would feel guilty OP, but this sounds quite suspicious- you’re going to have these people in your home. I’m afraid I’d say you can’t proceed and try again with another family.

Very suspicious. I am sorry.

The barrage of texts sounds like she's panicking because she's rumbled. You have to trust the people you live with, I'm sorry, I would report these to the website if that's an option and maybe use the Red Cross to get matched with refugees instead? Are you sure the whole site is legit though?

What’s the motive though? They have to fill in the lengthy government visa form and upload official documents.

That really doesn't look like an official website?

That website could have been set up by anyone why on Earth are you using it

The gov meant use churches and their affiliated groups et al

Not some dodgy website!

I personally wouldn’t continue with this. However what is to be expected when people are encouraged to match with refugees via any website or Facebook group.

@Watapalava

That website could have been set up by anyone why on Earth are you using it

The gov meant use churches and their affiliated groups et al

Not some dodgy website!

The governments lax attitude has led to this situation. They should have worked with and identified specific experienced charities that could lead on the matching and have funded them to do so. Instead they give vague advice to ma5ch through churches and organisations.

The website was recommended to me by a local Ukrainian and I researched the guy who set it up - seems totally legit as per this article - but there is no filtering system within it.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/swansea-ukraine-invasion-russia-refugees-23465419.amp

It’s potentially a scam where they will ask you to send money for their transport etc? If you’re not comfortable with them, find another family.

The website OP is using is legit by the way. The government scheme effectively forced people to use this sort of method.

I suspect the visa application process has been made so complicated to try to thwart the people traffickers who exploit any little loophole they can find. If you feel so uneasy at this point go through one of the recommended routes and take as much advice as you can get.