Woman loses a fortune to "astronaut" in online romantic scam

Tokyo, Japan - During a pandemic which has many people feeling lonely, the internet has become even more of a place for singles to connect. But it can also be a place full of dangers, as a trusting Japanese woman found out after losing a dizzying amount of money to a swindler who pretended to be an astronaut.

A woman was ripped off in a romance scam in Tokyo (stock image).
A woman was ripped off in a romance scam in Tokyo (stock image).  © 123RF/fizkes

The woman, who is in her 30s, had met the man posing as a Russian astronaut online, Japanese daily newspaper Hokkaido Shimbun reported on Monday.

He wrote to her that he planned a life in Japan after completing his "space mission." He said he would send his belongings over and she would have to pay for the packages upfront.

A second man, who claimed to be an employee of a transport company, then contacted the victim, demanding that she pay an insurance fee for the "luggage of a Russian."

Son of Sinaloa cartel's "El Chapo" set to plead guilty in US drugs case
Justice Son of Sinaloa cartel's "El Chapo" set to plead guilty in US drugs case
US appeals court announces its shocking final decision on 9/11 mastermind's plea deal
Justice US appeals court announces its shocking final decision on 9/11 mastermind's plea deal

The unsuspecting woman proceeded to transfer a total of six million yen ($58,375) to an account.

After she transferred the money, her supposed lover was never seen or heard of again.

After realizing that she had fallen victim to a scandalous romance fraud, the woman turned to the city administration to investigate the scam.

Cover photo: 123RF/fizkes

More on Law enforcement: