The story was too extraordinary to be true. According to information from Parisianin Japan, a woman over 80 years old thought he was conversing with a potential in love that stole her savings. A new false Brad Pitt? No. This time it was an astronaut … in difficulty in space.
A high flight scam
The Japanese, a single woman living in the north of the island of Hokkaido, would have met the junk astronaut on the networks last July. Throughout the exchanges, the old lady says it: she falls in love with the scientist (who tells her stories of stars and planets probably aligned). But once closed, the victim is then scammed. The astronaut, according to a well -oiled scenario says he is “attacked” in space and in “need for oxygen”. To survive you must therefore buy more oxygen. The retiree therefore sends him a million yen. Or nearly 6,000 euros… which will go up in smoke (and not to the ISS). A sentimental scam as incredible as a heartbreak for the old lady.
An isolated victim profile that stands out in many cases
False astronaut, false Brad Pitt or Keanu Reeves… Despite a story that does not seem to stand up, the grazers make thousands of victims every year with their horny stories. In France, 12,000 scams with feelings were reportedly reported, in 2024. With a well -prowled objective: that of winning the hearts of the targets before the portfolio. According to the cybermalveillance site.gouv, in fact, the sentimental scam consists for the crook to ensure that the victim develops feelings towards him to extract money from him. And it is ready for that to say everything that the victim wishes. A practice that works mainly on a certain profile, detailed clinical psychologist Johanna Rozenblum in a previous case.
“People who fall victims of online sentimental scams often have a certain solitude Or a need for affection, especially if they go through a period of emotional fragility such as mourning, separation, difficulties in their couple or at work “.
These scams particularly affect mature women, often isolated, like the Japanese. But can also concern people of all ages and all environments. “”These sometimes seek a sincere connection and trust individuals who exploit this vulnerability by being attentive and flattering. The crooks play on their emotions, creating credible stories to justify requests for money, and take advantage of the idealization of romantic love or the lack of mistrust towards online encounters “.
How to avoid grazers online?
Would you never fall into the panel? It’s likely. But the message to remember is that some of your loved ones may. According to Johanna Rozenblum, to protect herself from online sentimental scams, it is essential to remain vigilant and to develop a critical mind. For this, some points are non -negotiable, even (and above all) if you are looking for love. To be transmitted to those alone of those around you:
- Never share personal or financial information with a person you have not encountered face to face;
- Beware of too perfect profiles or rapid love declarations, especially if the relationship begins online;
- Check the inconsistencies in the stories, and if possible, search for inverted images of the photos used by your interlocutor;
- Never give in to requests for money, whatever the reason or emergency invoked;
- Take the time to talk about this relationship with relatives or friends to have an outside look;
- Finally, learn to recognize the typical signs of scams, such as constant apology so as not to meet or complicated stories justifying financial needs.
Our psychologist also recalled an essential point: “In short, when you are in a situation of psychic fragility, care, help and comfort are rarely found through a virtual relationship … ” And even less in space.