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Japan Police Probe 'Astronaut' Romance Scam That Cost Hokkaido Woman ¥1 Million

Authorities urge skepticism toward online requests for money after a fraudster claimed a life-or-death emergency in space.

Overview

  • Police say the about-80-year-old Hokkaido resident met the man online in July.
  • He told her he was on a spacecraft, claimed he was under attack, and requested funds to buy oxygen.
  • The woman transferred roughly ¥1 million, about €5,780, via online payments, according to police.
  • Local media report she developed feelings during chats, reflecting tactics that target seniors in Japan’s aging society.
  • Investigations are ongoing, and reporters note a 2022 case in which a fake Russian cosmonaut extracted about ¥4.4 million from another victim.