According to a statement from the Kuala Lumpur Commercial Crime Investigation Division, the two met on the app in November last year.

Over the course of the ensuing five months, the woman was asked to make a series of payments to two local accounts which, she was told, was to help pay for the pilot’s flying course.

The woman eventually depleted her savings and had to request for help from her family, who then advised her to file a police report. She did so yesterday.

According to the statement, police said the division opened 72 investigations into “love scams” last year, up from 42 in 2019.

It said many victims tend to be educated, working women between the ages of 30 and 60, and advised the public to be wary of online relationships.

The police further warned against sending anyone financial assistance without verifying who they are first.

The public is encouraged to channel information on criminal or suspicious activity by contacting the KL Police Hotline at 03 2115 9999 or visiting their nearest police station.