A woman in her 50s from Fukuoka City, working as a teacher, recently fell victim to an elaborate online romance scam that led to the loss of 42 million yen. The incident, reported by NHK on October 31, highlights the growing issue of “romance scams” in Fukuoka Prefecture and the vulnerability these schemes exploit.
The teacher first received a message in September from a man on social media, claiming to be interested in a serious relationship. Over time, their conversations deepened, and the man expressed a desire for marriage, appealing to her emotions and building trust. He gradually introduced the topic of financial security, suggesting that she consider asset management and future investments, which he framed as a practical step for their “shared” future.
Under his guidance, the woman registered on what she believed to be a legitimate investment website. Shortly after, another individual, posing as an employee of the investment site’s managing company, contacted her. This person provided detailed instructions and reassurances, which convinced her to transfer funds. Over the course of 11 separate transactions, she wired a total of 42 million yen (approximately $280,000) into a specific bank account.
This case is part of a larger trend of romance scams in Japan, where scammers target victims’ emotions to gain financial advantage. Fukuoka Prefecture, in particular, has seen a surge in such scams. Police report that from January to September 2024, social media scams have led to losses totaling more than 5.6 billion yen (over $37 million) across the region. These scams often involve fake identities and detailed, manipulative narratives to persuade victims to part with large sums of money.
Local authorities are now ramping up public awareness campaigns, warning citizens about the risks of online romance scams. They advise individuals to be extremely cautious with online acquaintances, especially when asked for financial contributions or investment in unfamiliar platforms. Police also urge people to consult with friends or family members before making significant financial decisions involving someone they’ve met online, and to report suspicious requests immediately.
