70-year-old woman arrested in Takayama for romantic scam on social media with promise of investment

Delegacia of Polícia of Takayama, in the province of Gifu, Ela was arrested on suspicion of being the victim of a romantic scam known as a “romance scam” carried out through social media. The case involves contact initiated by a man who presented himself as a foreign investor.

The victim exchanged messages with the suspect, who promised to enrich his life through profitable investments. Japanese authorities confirmed that the elderly woman transferred funds to accounts indicated by the scammer. The arrest occurred following a complaint from family members who noticed suspicious financial transactions.

How the coup was carried out

The contact began on a social network not identified by the police. The suspect presented himself as a successful man living abroad and showed romantic interest in the victim.

Before long, the conversation evolved into joint investment proposals. The scammer sent false financial transaction documents and requested initial deposits for supposed high-return investments.

The woman made several bank transfers over the course of weeks. The exact amounts are still under investigation by the Gifu police.

Common profile of victims in Japão

Cases of romance scams have increased among people over 60 in Japão. Dados of Agência Nacional of Polícia indicate that elderly people will represent around 40% of victims of this type of crime in 2025.

Many cases involve contacts initiated on dating platforms or traditional social networks. Scammers often use photos of military personnel, doctors or foreign businesspeople.

Modus operandi of criminals

• Creating fake profiles with images stolen from social networks
• Rapid development of emotional relationships
• Gradual introduction of the topic of investment or financial aid
• Requesting transfers to foreign accounts or cryptocurrencies
• Disappearance after receiving the amounts

Police action in Takayama

Delegacia of Takayama received a complaint from the victim’s family at the beginning of November. Police officers monitored bank transactions and confirmed payments to suspicious accounts.

The woman was detained to provide detailed explanations. The police treat the case as a victim who unwittingly participated in a money laundering operation.

The investigation continues to identify those responsible for the coup. Japanese authorities work in cooperation with international forces, as most criminals operate from outside the country.

Increase in similar cases

The province of Gifu recorded 28 cases of romance scams in 2025 alone until November. The total amount embezzled in the country exceeds 36 billion yen this year, according to preliminary data from the national police.

Rural areas such as Takayama have shown an increase in the number of occurrences. The combination of loneliness and less familiarity with digital security makes local seniors frequent targets.

The authorities advise that any investment proposal received via social networks be treated as suspicious. The recommendation is to never make transfers without in-person consultation with financial institutions.