Hokkaido’s Toyohira Police Station announced that on July 19, 2025, a man in his 70s living in Sapporo’s Kiyota Ward fell victim to an SNS investment scam, losing approximately 12 million yen.
The man had requested an AI-based stock analysis online in mid-May when he was invited to an SNS group chat, where he connected with a woman claiming to be an investment assistant.
From June 23 to July 18, he transferred a total of 11.71 million yen into a designated bank account in nine separate transactions to purchase stocks the woman had recommended, promising guaranteed profits.
On July 19, the woman requested additional funds, claiming his account was in deficit and needed replenishment for non-stock-related purposes. Suspicious, the man reported the incident to the police, uncovering the scam.
Police warn the public: “Be wary of unsolicited investment offers and consult the police hotline ‘#9110’ if in doubt.”
