The “astronaut scam” that cost one woman thousands—and what you can learn from it
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It may sound like the plot of a science fiction film, but for one woman in her 80s, it turned into a costly nightmare.
Living alone and looking for companionship, she struck up an online conversation with a man who claimed to be an astronaut in need of urgent help.
Over time, she came to believe his dramatic story—that he was stranded in space and under attack.
Her compassion led her to send thousands of dollars in hopes of “saving” him.
Sadly, she was the victim of a scam that highlights how vulnerable many older adults are to increasingly sophisticated online schemes.
The woman, from Hokkaido, Japan, was contacted on social media by someone posing as an astronaut.
He told her he was orbiting Earth and in desperate need of money for oxygen supplies.
At first, the messages seemed friendly and harmless, but the scammer slowly built trust, drawing her into a relationship that felt real.
Eventually, she wired around 1 million yen (about $6,700) to him—money she will likely never see again.
This case may seem unusual, but it’s part of a much larger trend.
In 2024, the FBI reported that more than 7,600 Americans over 60 fell victim to romance or confidence scams, with losses totaling nearly $389 million.
Many cases go unreported due to shame or embarrassment.
Scammers deliberately target older adults because they are often more trusting, polite, and may have greater financial resources.
While “astronaut in distress” is rare, other scams follow a similar playbook.
Some criminals pose as military officers, celebrities, or long-lost relatives.
For example, a 66-year-old woman from Utah was tricked out of $90,000 by someone pretending to be a famous actor.
These schemes usually begin with a casual message or friend request, then quickly move to private messaging apps where oversight is limited.
Eventually, a request for money appears—often tied to a medical emergency, legal crisis, or fantastical story.
Source: Facebook / CBS News
Here are some warning signs that may help prevent falling into these traps:
If you or someone you know may be a target, don’t panic—but take action:
Scammers prey on emotions like loneliness, fear, and hope.
They steal photos, copy writing styles, and create elaborate stories to appear trustworthy.
Older adults who may be isolated or grieving can be especially vulnerable.
But staying informed and connected with others can make all the difference.
Talking about scams openly helps reduce stigma and protect others.
Stay cautious, stay connected, and remember: if someone you’ve never met asks for money—especially from “outer space”—it’s time to step back and think twice.
Read next: Watch out for this "how are you" message—It could be a scam in disguise
Have you or someone you know ever been contacted by a scammer online? Do you think enough is being done to protect older adults from online fraud? And what advice would you share with friends or family to help them stay safe?
Your experiences and insights could make a real difference for someone else in our community—so don’t hesitate to share your story in the comments below.
Living alone and looking for companionship, she struck up an online conversation with a man who claimed to be an astronaut in need of urgent help.
Over time, she came to believe his dramatic story—that he was stranded in space and under attack.
Her compassion led her to send thousands of dollars in hopes of “saving” him.
Sadly, she was the victim of a scam that highlights how vulnerable many older adults are to increasingly sophisticated online schemes.
Online scams targeting older adults are becoming more elaborate and harder to detect. Image Source: Pexels / Thirdman.
How the scam unfolded
The woman, from Hokkaido, Japan, was contacted on social media by someone posing as an astronaut.
He told her he was orbiting Earth and in desperate need of money for oxygen supplies.
At first, the messages seemed friendly and harmless, but the scammer slowly built trust, drawing her into a relationship that felt real.
Eventually, she wired around 1 million yen (about $6,700) to him—money she will likely never see again.
Also read: He promised love, she lost her home: How a fake romance led to a $1.5M scam targeting seniors across state lines
Romance and confidence scams on the rise
This case may seem unusual, but it’s part of a much larger trend.
In 2024, the FBI reported that more than 7,600 Americans over 60 fell victim to romance or confidence scams, with losses totaling nearly $389 million.
Many cases go unreported due to shame or embarrassment.
Scammers deliberately target older adults because they are often more trusting, polite, and may have greater financial resources.
Also read: Beware the love trap: USPS reveals how romance scams could cost you more than heartache
Not just astronauts: the many scam personas
While “astronaut in distress” is rare, other scams follow a similar playbook.
Some criminals pose as military officers, celebrities, or long-lost relatives.
For example, a 66-year-old woman from Utah was tricked out of $90,000 by someone pretending to be a famous actor.
These schemes usually begin with a casual message or friend request, then quickly move to private messaging apps where oversight is limited.
Eventually, a request for money appears—often tied to a medical emergency, legal crisis, or fantastical story.
Source: Facebook / CBS News
Also read: Former postal fraud investigator accused of stealing $330,000 from scam victims
Warning signs to watch for
Here are some warning signs that may help prevent falling into these traps:
- Someone expresses strong affection or friendship unusually quickly.
- They create urgency with dramatic emergencies and ask for secrecy.
- They request money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
- They try to move conversations off mainstream platforms into private apps.
- Their stories or photos contain inconsistencies.
Also read: Falling for the “transfer it to protect it” scam? FTC warns this scheme is targeting older Americans
What to do if you suspect a scam
If you or someone you know may be a target, don’t panic—but take action:
- Stop communicating immediately.
- Do not send money, even if the story feels convincing.
- Report the scam to local law enforcement, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Talk openly about the experience with family and friends. The more awareness there is, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.
Also read: TSA PreCheck scam warning: Travelers urged to watch for fake renewal websites
Why scams succeed
Scammers prey on emotions like loneliness, fear, and hope.
They steal photos, copy writing styles, and create elaborate stories to appear trustworthy.
Older adults who may be isolated or grieving can be especially vulnerable.
But staying informed and connected with others can make all the difference.
Talking about scams openly helps reduce stigma and protect others.
Stay cautious, stay connected, and remember: if someone you’ve never met asks for money—especially from “outer space”—it’s time to step back and think twice.
Read next: Watch out for this "how are you" message—It could be a scam in disguise
Have you or someone you know ever been contacted by a scammer online? Do you think enough is being done to protect older adults from online fraud? And what advice would you share with friends or family to help them stay safe?
Your experiences and insights could make a real difference for someone else in our community—so don’t hesitate to share your story in the comments below.
