Elderly Woman Duped by ‘Astronaut’ in Elaborate Romance Scam

A Lady Fell for a Scammer Who Said He Was an Astronaut and Needed Oxygen...

Scammer Posed as Space Traveler in Crisis

Authorities in Japan say an elderly woman lost nearly $7,000 to an online fraudster who convinced her he was an astronaut stranded in space. The victim, a woman in her 80s from Hokkaido, reportedly met the scammer on social media in July. Posing as a male astronaut, the man gradually built trust with her before claiming he was in urgent need of help.

According to police, the scammer told her that his spaceship was under attack and that he needed money to buy oxygen. Believing his story, the woman sent him around 1 million yen (approximately $6,700).

Victim Lived Alone and Believed the Lie

Investigators said the woman, who lives by herself, began to develop feelings for the supposed astronaut through their frequent online conversations. Local news outlets reported that she grew emotionally attached, which made her more vulnerable to his requests.

Police urged residents to be cautious, noting that anyone who demands money online under unusual circumstances is likely attempting a scam. “If someone you meet on social media asks for money, assume it’s fraud and contact authorities,” a police spokesperson warned.

Romance Scams on the Rise Worldwide

This case highlights a growing problem both in Japan and internationally. With one of the oldest populations in the world, Japan has seen many elderly residents fall prey to similar frauds, such as scams in which con artists impersonate relatives in trouble or trick victims into sending supposed insurance refunds.

Globally, romance scams have surged in recent years. In the United States alone, more than 64,000 people reported losses totaling over $1 billion in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. That number has doubled since 2019.

Experts say romance scammers are increasingly sophisticated, often using emotional manipulation and fabricated identities to exploit vulnerable people. Lawmakers in the U.S. have also called on technology companies to take stronger action in protecting users from fraud.

Authorities Continue to Warn the Public

Police in Hokkaido stressed the importance of vigilance, especially for seniors who may be more isolated and trusting of online connections. Authorities recommend reporting suspicious encounters immediately and never sending money to someone you’ve never met in person.

Get our free mobile app