In recent months, a disturbing new trend has come to light in Japan’s online resale markets: the shady sale of fake ultrasound (“echo”) photos, used to con unsuspecting partners out of money or even push for marriage. What’s behind this scam, how widespread has it become, and what lessons can we draw from it?
The Scam in Brief
Fraudsters appear to be buying ultrasound images—sometimes cheaply priced at around ¥600 to ¥6,000—from resale platforms like Mercari. These doctored or stock echo images are then used to fabricate pregnancy claims, often accompanied by pleas for “abortion costs” or “relationship compensation.” Victims, usually emotionally manipulated, end up transferring large sums—often tens of thousands of yen or more. In 2024 alone, police received over 120 consultations related to such “pregnancy scams.”
Mercari’s Ban on Echo Photo Listings
As reports of misuse spread, Mercari officially announced that ultrasound photos can no longer be listed or sold on its marketplace. From early September, any such listing will be automatically removed. This move reflects the platform’s recognition of the severe risk of fraud and emotional exploitation tied to these items. While the ban may not eliminate the problem entirely—fraudsters might migrate to other spaces—it represents a significant step in curbing easy access to fake “proof of pregnancy.”
Why It’s So Effective
- Emotional leverage: The shock and guilt induced by a supposed pregnancy can overwhelm rational judgment.
- Plausible evidence: An echo photo—even if fake—boosts credibility.
- Ease of access: Echo images were inexpensive and readily obtainable online until platforms began banning them.
- Social pressure: Scammers often position themselves as vulnerable, thumbing the ‘relationship’ card to exploit guilt.
Legal & Ethical Issues
This isn’t “harmless dating drama”—fabricated pregnancy claims clearly fall under fraud, punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment. If threats or blackmail are added, they may also trigger charges of coercion.
Unique Insights from This Scenario
- The weaponization of intimacy: In our digital age, emotional bonds and medical artifacts can be weaponized en masse. That makes emotional literacy just as critical as cybersecurity.
- Platform accountability is necessary but not sufficient: Mercari’s ban highlights corporate responsibility, but bad actors adapt fast—using euphemistic titles, shifting to other platforms, or jumping to encrypted messaging.
- Demand outpaces enforcement: Interestingly, the popularity of such scams points to a latent demand—people who want an “emotional shortcut” or who feel desperate to secure a commitment. Addressing the societal roots (e.g., loneliness, marriage pressure) is part of the solution.
What Should Individuals Do?
- Always verify evidence: If someone claims to be pregnant and shows photos, suggest a joint visit to the clinic. Don’t rely on images alone.
- Never pay based on emotion: Wait for clear medical confirmation.
- Watch for red flags: Quick claims of pregnancy, sudden demands for money, or refusal of direct proof are suspicious.
- Seek help promptly: Contact trusted friends, legal help, or police if you suspect foul play.
Broader Reflections
This case uncovers a wider societal fault line: medical realities being trivialized or weaponized in online subcultures. It also raises an ethical question: how should we treat image-based evidence in digital interactions? When “proof” is just a thumbnail, emotional manipulation can sidestep our best defenses.
Moreover, this trend reminds us that loneliness, lack of support systems, or social pressure to form relationships can breed desperation—creating fertile ground for scammers. Solutions must go beyond policing content; they should include emotional education, better support mechanisms, and platforms stepping up beyond “ban and delete.”
