By Tim Binnall
An unfortunate woman in Japan wound up bilked out of around $30,000 after she was romanced by an online scammer claiming to be a Russian astronaut who needed her financial help to get back to Earth so that they could get married. The bizarre case, which came to light this week, reportedly began back in June when the victim received a random message on Instagram from an individual who said that he was a cosmonaut currently serving aboard the International Space Station. It would appear that the tale was believable enough that the pair started corresponding and, shortly thereafter, an unlikely relationship began to bloom and the two soon began to plan for a life together in Japan.
Repeatedly and boldly declaring his love for the woman, the faux cosmonaut proposed that they marry upon his arrival in her country, but lamented that there was a significant financial roadblock standing in the way of their future. The scammer claimed that he needed money to pay for the cost of flying a rocket from the ISS back to Earth and the subsequent "landing fees" associated with such a journey. Clearly besotted with her online beau, the woman proceeded to send him approximately $30,000 by way of four installments delivered between late August and early September. However, when the 'cosmonaut' continued to ask for additional funds, the woman realized that she had been conned and reported her plight to police.
Authorities in Japan brought attention to the case, which they dubbed an "international romance scheme," last Friday and announced that they were launching an investigation into the cautionary tale. Shedding some light on how the con artist managed to dupe his victim, another woman who was contacted by the scammer explained to a Japanese media outlet that the person used the identity and photos of a real Russian astronaut. Fortunately, she was able to see through his ruse after a few days and cut off communication with the catfishing 'cosmonaut,' who may very well be pulling off the same sinister scheme on some unwitting victim at this very moment.