Key Facts
• A 70-year-old unemployed man in Numazu City, Shizuoka, was defrauded.
• The scam occurred between mid-April and early July 2025.
• The victim accessed an online ad claiming ties to a famous investor.
• Scammers posed as associates of the investor via social media.
• The man transferred approximately $770,000 to designated accounts.
• Police warn of rising SNS-based investment scams using fake ads and sites.
Summary
A 70-year-old man in Numazu City, Shizuoka, fell victim to an SNS-based investment scam, losing approximately $770,000. The incident began in mid-April 2025 when the victim accessed an online advertisement claiming connections to a famous investor. Scammers, posing as associates of the investor, convinced the man to transfer funds multiple times until early July. Police have issued warnings about the increasing prevalence of such scams, urging caution against fake advertisements and fraudulent websites.
