An 80-year-old woman in Japan has reportedly fallen victim to an elaborate romance scam after sending money to an online fraudster who pretended to be an astronaut stranded in space.
According to police in Hokkaido, on Wednesday, the victim first connected with the scammer on social media in July. Investigators said the suspect introduced himself as an astronaut and gradually built an online relationship with the woman.
The fraudster later convinced her that he was “currently in space on a spaceship” and claimed he was “under attack and in need of oxygen.” In order to survive, he allegedly persuaded the woman to transfer money to him.
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Authorities confirmed that the victim, who lives alone on Japan’s northern Hokkaido island, was deceived into transferring approximately one million yen (around £5,000).
Police believe the incident is part of a wider romance scam scheme, where criminals exploit individuals seeking companionship by creating false identities and emotional connections.
Officers have urged the public to remain vigilant, stressing that people should be cautious if anyone they meet online requests money, regardless of their story.
