SINGAPORE - They play with lovelorn netizens' hearts, then relieve them of their money. This is the latest Internet scam that has the police issuing an alert. The culprit, claiming to be British, Nigerian or some other nationality, would typically befriend the mark on online dating websites and, after exchanging emails, claim to be coming to Singapore to visit or ask for the victim's hand in marriage. On the supposed day of arrival here, the culprit would call the victim and say he had been detained for carrying excessive cash. He would ask the victim to transfer money to a foreign bank account to secure his release. But following the transfer, all contact would cease, and investigations would reveal there never was any such person coming into Singapore that day. The police warned the public to be extra careful in befriending strangers online, and not to make any bank transfer payment for bail or fine - the authorities do not require any such transfer. "A culprit might spend months building rapport online before asking for money. Even if you think you know this person well, consider that you really do not know anyone from your communications over the Internet - you just know the way he/she chooses to present himself online," said the police. If you have had a similar encounter, call the police hotline at 1800 - 255 0000. http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC091219-0000076/Internet-scammers-play...