>THE suave and old-fashioned Casanova prowls around pubs and clubs. And the modern Internet-savvy ones look for victims online. MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong said: "They hang out in night spots, looking for 'strays'.
"When they see a woman sitting alone, it could be a signal that she is lonely, or has problems with her lover or husband.
"Or, the computer-savvy Casanova uses 'romance' chat rooms to find women who are looking for love."
After a few online chat sessions, he tries to convince the woman to meet him.
First, he buys the woman a drink, striking up a conversation. Some Casanovas claim they can read palms, using this as an excuse to hold the woman's hand.
"By her grip, they can tell whether or not she is willing to open up. Eye contact is another indication if he should keep pursuing the target or move on to someone else."
Once he finds a potential victim, he patiently wines and dines her, showering her with gifts and compliments before seducing her.
Many women fall for Casanovas because they offer a sympathetic ear.
"If she is lonely, he offers a listening ear. If she is having family problems, he offers 'expert' advice. If she is having marital problems, he offers 'love'."
Married women are preferred targets because when the relationship ends, the woman will not bother him.
The astute Casanova always tries to get a hold on something to blackmail the woman.
And a sure-fire way are nude pictures. He tells her he wants pictures of their lovemaking sessions as a turn-on and reminder of love.
Chong said this year, four women had lodged complaints with his department against such men.
It is often difficult to prove that the woman has been cheated because the Casanova usually takes cash.
"There is no paper trail like a cheque or other evidence to prove any money was lent.
"We also can't say these women were raped because there was no element of force.
"Some might even say the woman is lodging a report out of spite because the man has a new girlfriend."
It is because of the many "ifs" in the equation, Chong said, that Casanovas could often get away easily.
