An elderly woman lost $36,000 to a scammer pretending to be a Russian astronaut needing money for his return to Earth trip.
Recently, a woman has fallen victim to a scam involving a fake astronaut who claimed he needed money to return to Earth.
This unusual case emphasizes how far scammers will go to deceive others.
It also stresses the need for vigilance in today’s digital age.
A fake astronaut approaches the elderly woman on Instagram
The woman, living in Japan, reported being contacted by someone who was pretending to be a Russian astronaut.
This person claimed to be stationed on the International Space Station (ISS).
The man contacted a 65-year-old Japanese woman on Instagram in June and began posting pictures of space on his profile.
He claims the need for money to return to Earth
The scammer created a convincing story, claiming that he needed financial help to pay for his return journey back to Earth.
They started chatting on the Japanese messaging app, LINE, where he told her that he loved her and wanted to marry her.
The tale was elaborate, complete with fake images and messages that made it seem plausible.
Woman scammed $36K by fake astronaut needing money to cover returning-to-Earth fee
At first, the woman was doubtful about the situation.
However, the scammer’s ongoing messages and emotional pleas eventually persuaded her to send money.
According to Japanese media, he sent her messages like “I want to start my life in Japan” and “Saying this 1,000 times won’t be enough, but I’ll keep saying it. I love you.”
Over a few months, she sent an astonishing total of $36,000.
She believed that her donations were crucial for helping the astronaut return home safely.
The scammer used various excuses to justify the need for money, including fees for supplies and transport.
As the weeks went by, the woman began to notice inconsistencies in the astronaut’s story.
She tried to verify his claims by searching online but found no evidence supporting his identity or the need for such fees.
Despite her growing doubts, the emotional connection she felt with the supposed astronaut made it difficult for her to walk away.
Unfortunately, it became increasingly clear that she had been deceived.
The woman believed the man was her future husband and sent him approximately $36,000.
She made five payments between August 19 and September 5.
However, when he continued to ask for more money, she became suspicious and eventually reported him to the police.
Experts issue warnings for similar circumstances
Experts warn that scams are becoming more sophisticated, with scammers using technology to create believable narratives.
They can easily manipulate images, create fake profiles, and even use social engineering tactics to convince their targets.
Law enforcement agencies are urging people to be cautious when interacting with strangers online.
They emphasize the importance of being vigilant to avoid falling victim to scams like this one.
The officials recommend verifying identities through multiple sources and being wary of requests for money, especially from individuals claiming to be in usual circumstances.
Furthermore, victims of similar scams are encouraged to report their experiences to the authorities.
This not only helps to raise awareness of ongoing scams but also aids in tracking down perpetrators.
By sharing their stories, victims can help protect others from falling into the same traps.