Key Facts
• A woman in her 50s from western Shimane lost 20 million yen in fraud.
• On August 16, 2025, she accessed an investment ad on Instagram.
• She joined a LINE group with dozens of members and downloaded a stock app.
• A person claiming to be “senior analyst Matsumoto” gained her trust.
• From September 16 to October 7, she transferred 20 million yen in three payments.
• Transfers were made via internet banking to accounts under different personal names.
• The app falsely showed her investment tripled in value the same day.
• She received a message about winning a “premium stock investment right” and was asked for an additional 10 million yen.
• Suspicious, she contacted the police, revealing the scam.
• Shimane police reported another fraud case in March 2025 involving 98.04 million yen.
• Authorities urge caution and advise consulting police for high-value payment requests.
Summary
A woman in her 50s from western Shimane was defrauded of 20 million yen through an elaborate investment scam. After encountering an Instagram ad in August 2025, she joined a LINE group and downloaded a stock trading app. Trusting a person claiming to be a senior analyst, she transferred the funds in three installments to different personal accounts. The app falsely displayed her investment tripling in value, followed by a request for an additional 10 million yen. Suspicious, she contacted the police, uncovering the fraud. Shimane police have reported other high-value scams this year and urge the public to remain cautious and consult authorities when faced with suspicious payment demands.
