A Shocking Case That Captured Public Attention
In Sapporo, an unusual scam case highlighted both the creativity of fraudsters and the vulnerability of elderly victims. Police at Teine Station announced that an 80-year-old woman was defrauded of 1 million yen after believing the claims of a man who introduced himself online as an astronaut.
The scammer convinced her that he was on a spaceship under attack, running out of oxygen, and in desperate need of funds to “purchase oxygen.” Although the story sounds like something from a science fiction novel, the woman trusted the scammer and complied with his instructions. Over multiple visits to convenience stores, she bought prepaid e-money cards worth a total of 1 million yen and shared the codes with the man.
Only after confiding in her family did she realize she had been deceived. Police confirmed the case on September 1, stressing that this was not an isolated incident but part of a larger trend of romance scams on social media.
How the Scam Unfolded 🚨
The victim first encountered the supposed astronaut in mid-July through a social networking service (SNS). Their online exchanges gradually turned personal and emotional, a typical tactic in romance fraud.
Soon, the man began fabricating a dramatic scenario:
- He claimed he was aboard a spacecraft.
- He insisted the ship was “under attack.”
- He added that oxygen was running out and survival depended on immediate assistance.
The combination of urgency, danger, and emotional bonding created powerful psychological pressure. Believing she was helping someone she cared about, the woman made repeated purchases of electronic money at five different convenience stores in her neighborhood.
By the time she sought advice from her family and reported the matter to the police, the funds were irretrievable.
Why Did She Believe It? 🧠
At first glance, the story sounds implausible. Yet experts point out that scams succeed not because the narrative is realistic but because it is emotionally manipulative.
Three key psychological triggers were at play:
- Romantic Attachment ❤️
The victim was led to believe she had developed a personal relationship with the scammer. Emotional investment can override critical thinking. - Fear and Urgency ⏳
The scammer created a life-or-death scenario, pushing the victim to act quickly without verifying facts. - Authority and Prestige 🚀
By posing as an astronaut—a prestigious and respected figure—the fraudster added credibility to his claims.
Elderly individuals, who may experience loneliness or isolation, are particularly susceptible to this blend of emotional and urgent manipulation.
A Growing Trend of SNS Romance Scams in Japan
This case is not isolated. Japanese police have repeatedly warned about the surge in SNS-based romance scams, often involving elaborate international or space-related stories.
Common themes include:
- “I am a foreign doctor/soldier stranded abroad” 🌍
- “I am a successful businessman who needs urgent help to unlock funds” 💼
- “I am a celebrity or astronaut facing a crisis” 🌌
All share one purpose: to win the victim’s trust and then request money under urgent pretenses.
According to recent police data, romance scams have sharply increased in the past two years, particularly targeting people over 60. Losses often exceed millions of yen per case, and because payments are made in e-money or cryptocurrency, recovery is nearly impossible.
Why Convenience Stores Are Targeted 🏪
Convenience stores in Japan offer easy access to prepaid e-money and digital gift cards, making them prime channels for scammers.
- Victims are instructed to buy cards such as Amazon gift cards, iTunes, or prepaid Visa cards.
- Scammers then ask for the serial numbers or codes, which can be redeemed instantly online.
- Because the transaction looks like a normal purchase, tracing and reversing the payment is extremely difficult.
Police have been working with convenience store chains to train staff to recognize suspicious purchases—such as elderly customers buying unusually large amounts of prepaid cards—but scammers are also adapting by telling victims to split purchases across multiple stores, as in this case.
Social Factors Behind the Surge in Scams
Japan’s aging society plays a significant role in the vulnerability of victims. Several social conditions intersect:
- Loneliness among the elderly: Many elderly people live alone and use SNS for companionship, making them prime targets.
- High trust in authority figures: Victims are more likely to believe someone claiming to be a doctor, astronaut, or government official.
- Limited digital literacy: While SNS adoption among seniors is increasing, skepticism about online fraud is not as strong.
These factors create an environment where scams can flourish.
What Authorities Are Doing 👮♂️
Police are stepping up awareness campaigns and urging the public:
- Consult family before sending money 🏠
Elderly individuals are encouraged to discuss suspicious requests with their children or relatives. - Verify identities 📞
Authorities emphasize never to trust someone you met online without independent verification. - Report immediately 📝
The faster a scam is reported, the more likely authorities can track patterns and prevent additional victims.
Additionally, local governments and consumer affairs centers are distributing leaflets and holding seminars to educate seniors about the latest scam tactics.
The Broader Picture: Evolution of Fraud in Japan
Fraud in Japan has evolved dramatically over the past two decades. Once dominated by the infamous “ore-ore” (It’s me, it’s me) scams where impostors pretended to be family members in distress, schemes now exploit digital platforms.
Key shifts include:
- From telephone to SNS: Fraudsters now exploit social networks and dating apps to reach victims directly.
- From domestic to global narratives: Scammers often pose as foreigners or astronauts, weaving stories that appear exotic and hard to verify.
- From cash to e-money: Digital payments make scams harder to trace, and convenience stores serve as the perfect access point.
How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones 🛡️
For readers concerned about protecting family members, here are practical steps:
- Educate seniors about scams: Share real cases like this one to raise awareness.
- Monitor unusual financial behavior: Sudden or repeated large e-money purchases may signal trouble.
- Encourage open communication: Seniors should feel comfortable discussing new online acquaintances with family.
- Verify before sending money: If someone asks for financial help, verify their story through official sources.
Independent Perspective 🌐
While it is easy to dismiss such cases as “unbelievable,” they highlight deeper societal challenges. Japan’s rapid aging, combined with digital isolation, has created fertile ground for sophisticated fraud.
Moreover, these scams reveal how technology can be weaponized against vulnerable groups. Just as digital platforms connect people across the world, they also connect criminals to potential victims.
The Sapporo “astronaut scam” may sound bizarre, but it symbolizes the increasingly imaginative strategies fraudsters use. It is a warning that no excuse is too far-fetched if emotional leverage is strong enough.
Conclusion
The case of the elderly woman in Sapporo losing 1 million yen to a supposed astronaut underscores the urgent need for vigilance. Romance scams are evolving, blending fantastical stories with emotional manipulation, and exploiting weaknesses in modern payment systems.
By understanding the psychology behind these schemes, recognizing the signs early, and fostering open communication within families, society can reduce the number of victims. Ultimately, preventing such fraud requires not only police action but also a collective effort to build digital literacy and social support for the elderly.
