Romance scams are rapidly emerging as a serious global concern, and Japan has recently reported a disturbing case that underscores the trend. An elderly woman from Hokkaido was defrauded of nearly 1 million yen (around $6,700) after being lured into an online relationship with a scammer posing as an astronaut in trouble. The fraudster claimed to need financial help to return to Earth, manipulating the victim’s emotions and trust. Authorities warn that such scams prey on loneliness and vulnerability, particularly among elderly individuals, making them easy targets for sophisticated online criminals.
Japanese woman groomed online before losing 1 million yen to fake astronaut scam
Hokkaido police reported that the woman, who lives alone, was approached in July through a social media platform by a man claiming to be an astronaut. Over several weeks, the scammer built a false sense of intimacy and trust by engaging in friendly conversations.As reported by CBS News, this process of “grooming” victims online is a common strategy used by romance scammers. By making the target feel special and emotionally invested, scammers gradually create a situation where asking for money seems natural and urgent. The scam took a dramatic turn when the fraudster told the woman that he was “currently in space aboard a spaceship” that was under attack and running out of oxygen. He claimed he urgently needed money to “buy oxygen” to survive.Fearing for his life and believing the fabricated story, the woman wired approximately 1 million yen to the scammer’s account. It was only later, after she grew suspicious, that she realised she had been deceived.
Hokkaido police warn seniors amid surge in online fraud scams
Following the case, Hokkaido police issued a warning urging citizens to remain cautious of online interactions, particularly if money is involved.“If a person you meet on social media asks for money, even in an emergency, please treat it as suspicious and report it immediately,” officials advised. Japan’s aging population makes its elderly citizens prime targets for scams. This is not an isolated case. Romance scams are a worldwide problem. According to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), over 64,000 Americans lost more than $1 billion to romance scams in 2023 — double the losses reported in 2019.Fraudsters use dating apps, social media, and private messaging platforms to identify targets, weave convincing narratives, and then pressure victims into transferring money under false pretenses. Lawmakers worldwide are urging tech companies to step up security measures to protect users. US Representative Brittany Pettersen noted that nearly half of online dating platform users have reported encountering scams.
How to protect yourself from romance scams
Experts recommend the following steps to stay safe online:
- Never send money to someone you have never met in person.
- Verify identities through video calls or independent checks before trusting any claims.
- Beware of emotional manipulation, particularly urgent requests involving life-or-death situations.
- Report suspicious profiles immediately to the platform and to local police.
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