80-Year-Old Japanese Woman Loses 1 Million Yen to ‘Astronaut Stranded in Space’ Scam

An 80-year-old woman in northern Japan has reportedly lost one million yen (approximately £5,000) after falling victim to an elaborate online romance scam involving a fraudster who claimed to be an astronaut stranded in space.

According to Hokkaido police, the victim met the scammer on social media in July and gradually developed an online relationship. Posing as an astronaut, the perpetrator convinced her that he was “on a spaceship in space” and under attack, urgently needing money to buy oxygen.

Living alone, the woman was persuaded to transfer the funds before authorities later determined it was a romance scam. Police have since issued warnings urging people to exercise caution when approached for money by online acquaintances.

Romance scams, which exploit individuals seeking companionship, have been on the rise worldwide. Many victims are tricked into sending large sums to people they believe are in genuine relationships.

A Sky News investigation last year exposed large-scale scam operations in Southeast Asia, where so-called “scam factories” train workers to manipulate victims into online gambling schemes or fraudulent romances. One former scammer detailed how emotions are exploited to make victims fall in love and part with their savings.

Japanese authorities have advised citizens, particularly the elderly, to remain vigilant and consult family or police before transferring money to individuals they meet online.