Sibu police chief Zulkipli Suhaili said the private sector worker reported to the police on Thursday that the man had promised to meet her on June 19, after his visa application was approved.

In early July, he said, the man informed her that he had sent her several gifts, but they were detained by Indonesian customs before being shipped to Malaysia.

After contacting an individual posing as a customs officer on July 25, the victim was instructed to make several payments to obtain a release certificate so the items could be sent to Malaysia.

She made 25 money transfers to eight local accounts, amounting to RM86,841.

She became suspicious and realised she had been scammed when she was asked to make further payments.

When she refused to pay up, the man stopped contacting her.

Zulkipli advised women not to trust aquaintances they made on social media.

He also cautioned the public not to share banking information or make payments to unknown individuals or parties.