An 80-year-old pensioner in Hokkaido, Japan, was tricked into sending roughly 1 million yen (about $6,700) to a man she believed was an astronaut stranded in space. He claimed his ship was under attack and he urgently needed oxygen. That’s part of a romance scam revealed this week. (And yes, it’s as absurd as it sounds.)
The scam began in July, when the woman met the fraudster online. They built what she thought was a romantic bond. Then came the crisis message: “I’m in space on a spaceship right now.” He said he was threatened, running out of air, and needed help just to survive. In her loneliness and with hope, she transferred the money electronically so he could “buy oxygen.” What struck authorities is how smoothly romance, urgency, and fantasy were mixed together to manipulate someone who was already isolated.
It’s far from an isolated case. Romance scammers have long used emotional leverage—love, urgencies, emergencies, crises. What makes this one unique is the choice of setting: outer space. Pretending to be an astronaut in distress adds a spectacular twist that tugs at heartstrings in a bizarre, high-stakes way. Reports from local police say these kinds of stories are becoming more creative and more dangerous for vulnerable people, especially older adults living alone.
Globally, romance scams have exploded. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission reported over $1 billion lost to romance scams in 2023. Several sources say older folks are especially targeted because they may be more trusting, less familiar with online safety nuances, or more eager for companionship. When someone builds a story that feels romantic and dire, emotional hooks can override critical thinking.
Japanese authorities are urging people to be wary of anyone met online who asks for money—especially under dramatic or seemingly heroic circumstances. “If someone you just met on social media demands cash for an emergency, report it,” said a police officer. And they recommend checking for red flags: no official verification of identity, urgent timelines, untraceable payment methods, and overly dramatic backstories.