Timely warning of online dating dangers

I AGREE with Miss Annabel Tanya Leo Arthur ("Why even more will turn to online dating"; Forum Online, Monday).

Several of my friends found their spouses through online dating websites.

The young may find it awkward to befriend someone of the opposite sex at social or family events.

The process of making friends online and getting to know more about them before meeting in person has several advantages.

However, yesterday's report ("Beware online love scams, women told") should alert women to the potential dangers of making friends online.

There have been reports of women being cheated of large sums of money by men they have never met in person.

These con men would take the time and effort to get to know the women before asking for money on the pretext of settling their business problems, or facilitating their entry into Singapore after being "detained at the airport".

Some women are tricked into becoming "drug mules" and end up breaking the law for these men. Others are sexually or physically abused.

I applaud the initiative by money transfer company Western Union to prevent women from being cheated.

I also hope Singaporean women will be more careful when making friends or finding love online.

They should not commit to men whom they have never met in person.

And when meeting the men, they should inform their family members or close friends of the time and meeting place, preferably a public venue, and when they should be expected to reach home.

Muhammad Dzul Azhan Haji Sahban