Japanese Woman Loses ₹6 Lakh in Romance Scam as Fraudster Poses as Astronaut Needing Oxygen in Space

A shocking case of romance scam and online fraud has emerged from Japan, where an 80-year-old woman from Hokkaido was tricked into sending nearly ₹6 lakh (5,000 pounds) to a scammer posing as an astronaut. The fraudster convinced the elderly victim that he was stuck in space aboard a spaceship and urgently needed oxygen, exploiting her emotions and trust.

The Romance Scam 
The victim reportedly met the fraudster on social media in July 2025. After exchanging messages, the scammer gained her trust and eventually claimed he was “on a spaceship under attack and in need of oxygen.” He pressured the woman into transferring money, promising it would save his life. Having developed feelings during the online exchanges, the victim complied and sent the money. Soon after receiving the funds, the fraudster cut all contact, leaving her devastated.

Rising Trend of Online Romance Scams in Japan
Authorities have raised concerns about the growing threat of romance scams targeting elderly citizens. According to Japan’s National Police Agency, over 3,326 romance scams were reported in the first 11 months of 2024—more than double the cases recorded in the same period of 2023. Police warn that Japan’s aging population makes older people particularly vulnerable to emotional manipulation and financial fraud.

A local police officer advised: “If a person you meet on social media ever demands cash, be suspicious of a potential scam and report it immediately.”

Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention
This case highlights the urgent need for digital literacy, online safety awareness, and fraud prevention measures, especially for elderly individuals. Scammers often exploit loneliness and emotional vulnerability, using fake identities, online dating platforms, and social media to trap victims in elaborate schemes.

Experts recommend:
Never transferring money to strangers met online
Verifying identities before engaging in personal or financial exchanges
Reporting suspicious activities to the police immediately

As romance scams and cybercrime in Japan continue to rise, law enforcement agencies urge citizens to stay alert and safeguard themselves against increasingly sophisticated online fraud schemes.