Yes it really is that bad. One day I got several emails all from "different people" but using the same photo. They use the online photos from modeling agencies. They also have several sob stories all along the same lines, mainly that their wife died in a car crash, leaving them a single parent, or the other which is still used is that their father has tons of money in a Bank in Africa, and has since died, but because the Armies are after them, they cannot collect the money, and need us to do it for them.
Of course, most of the time it is so obvious that they are not real, if you read their emails. Most say they are from the States, but their english is poor. Most also comment on how beautiful you are (which in my case is true lol) and how god told them that you are the one for them. They all use the line - I am looking for a god fearing woman. Which is funny cause on my profile I am listed as an Atheist.
They also will ask you to have a webcam convo with you, but they never have their webcam on.
It breaks my heart to read the stories from some of these women, and again, they are not stupid women, just too trusting.