A 30-year-old man from Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, fell victim to SNS romance scams, losing approximately 12.5 million yen. The scams involved individuals posing as Japanese and foreign women, who lured the unsuspecting man with promises of lucrative investment opportunities and online retail ventures.
According to local police reports, the fraud began last June when the victim was approached by someone pretending to be a Japanese woman on social media. This person stated, "I will teach you how to make money," which piqued the victim's interest. Encouraged by what seemed to be credible advice, he started following their investment directions.
On the same day, another individual, posing as a foreign woman, claimed, "I run an online shop and make about 10,000 dollars each week." Trusting both fake personas, the man invested substantial amounts as they advised.
From June 28 to July 25, the victim reported making nine payments totaling about 3.63 million yen for the so-called investment, and from June 30 to July 17, he followed the instructions of the foreign woman, making 18 payments totaling approximately 8.88 million yen under the guise of opening his online shop for physical goods. All told, the man transferred about 12.51 million yen to these fraudulent entities.
Reportedly, the victim was unaware of any connections between the two scammers. Both individuals lured him separately, exploiting his trust and willingness to invest.
The local police emphasized the need for public vigilance, urging individuals who encounter financial solicitations from individuals met on social media to regard such interactions with suspicion. "If discussions about money arise from someone met on SNS, be suspicious of fraud and consult the police or family immediately," the police warned.
This scam highlights the broader issue of online fraud, particularly involving social media platforms, which have become breeding grounds for deceitful schemes. Authorities continue to issue reminders to stay cautious and thoroughly investigate any financial opportunities presented online.
With the rise of digital communication, it is increasingly common for scammers to create compelling narratives to lure victims. This incident serves as another stark reminder of the dangers associated with engaging strangers online, especially when money is involved. Victims and potential victims alike are encouraged to share their experiences with authorities to help raise awareness and prevent others from falling prey to similar scams.