Love scam from outer space: Japanese pensioner falls for fake astronaut’s desperate plea
Police say the scammer asked his 80-year-old victim for 1 million yen (US$6,750) to purchase more oxygen
The 80-year-old woman from Sapporo reportedly met the man on social media, where he claimed to be aboard a spacecraft orbiting Earth. He soon convinced her that his vessel was “under attack” and that he was running out of oxygen.
According to Sapporo Television Broadcasting (STV), the man begged his newfound friend to purchase 1 million yen (US$6,750) in electronic money and transfer it to him so he could purchase more oxygen.
Investigative sources told local media that the woman’s communications with the man indicated that she had developed “romantic feelings” for the astronaut.
The victim’s tale has elicited sympathy and mirth in roughly equal measure on social media, with one comment on the STV story saying, “It’s such a ridiculous story and there are so many things to criticise her for, but it is sad there are people who believe these sorts of stories and are deceived.”
Another added, “It’s hard to believe this is not a comedy sketch. They say love is blind, but this is just too blind.”