A woman in her 60s from Agui Town, Aichi Prefecture, was defrauded of a total of 62 million yen in cash and cryptocurrency through a romance scam on social media.

According to police, in June of this year, a woman in her 60s living in Agui Town received a message on her social media account from a person claiming to be a Japanese man with a foreign appearance, saying, “Would you like to be friends?”

As the woman engaged in casual conversation, she became emotionally attached and was persuaded to move the conversation to LINE. Trusting the other person’s promises, such as “I’ll help you earn extra money through investment,” she transferred approximately 46 million yen in cash over 20 transactions to a designated account and also sent cryptocurrency worth about 16 million yen, ultimately being defrauded.

The woman realized she had been scammed when she tried to withdraw cash from the account and was told by the other party that a “guarantee fee” was required, after which she was blocked on LINE.

Police are urging people not to trust individuals they communicate with solely through social media.

Agui Town

Agui Town is a historic town located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, which developed as a post station on the Edo-period Mikawaji road. It is known for its well-preserved traditional streetscape of merchant houses and storehouses, offering a glimpse into the country’s feudal past.

Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture is a major economic and cultural hub in central Japan, historically part of the Owari and Mikawa provinces. It is most famous for Nagoya Castle, built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa shogunate, and as the home of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The region also has a rich samurai heritage and is a center for traditional arts and manufacturing.

Handa Police Station

Handa Police Station is a modern law enforcement facility in Handa City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. It serves as the headquarters for the local police force, providing public safety services to the community. While the station itself does not have a long or notable historical significance, it is part of Japan’s contemporary kōban (police box) system.

Aichi Prefectural Police

The Aichi Prefectural Police is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for public safety in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture. It was formally established in 1876, following the national abolition of the samurai class and the creation of a modern, centralized police system during the Meiji Restoration. The force is headquartered in Nagoya and plays a vital role in maintaining order in this major industrial and population center.

LINE

LINE is a popular Japanese messaging application developed by Naver Corporation, which launched in 2011 following the Tōhoku earthquake as a new communication tool. It has since evolved into a major social platform, known for its stickers and expanding into various digital services including payments and entertainment.