Alert Issued by Iwate Prefectural Police: Emerging Trend of SNS-Based Investment and Romance Scams
The Iwate Prefectural Police have issued a timely alert regarding a growing concern: the rise of sophisticated scams that leverage social networking services (SNS) to target individuals through both investment schemes and romantic entanglements. The announcement, published on August 22, 2025, at 11:33 AM, highlights the evolving tactics of fraudsters and urges residents to remain vigilant.
These “SNS-type” scams typically begin with perpetrators establishing contact through popular social media platforms. Initially, victims may be approached with seemingly legitimate investment opportunities, often promising high returns with little to no risk. These proposals are frequently accompanied by convincing fabricated evidence, such as fake testimonials or doctored financial statements, designed to build trust and create a sense of urgency.
In parallel, or sometimes as a secondary tactic, these same individuals may exploit emotional connections. They build rapport with victims, cultivating a sense of trust and affection, often through prolonged online communication. This “romance” aspect of the scam can be used to further desensitize victims to the subsequent requests for money, which may be framed as urgent personal needs or as investments that will benefit both parties in their developing relationship.
The Iwate Prefectural Police emphasize that fraudsters are adept at creating seemingly authentic online personas, often using stolen photographs and fabricated life stories. They may claim to be professionals in finance or overseas residents, further enhancing their credibility. The pressure to act quickly, coupled with the emotional manipulation, can lead individuals to transfer significant sums of money, often through methods that are difficult to trace.
Key characteristics of these scams include:
- Initial contact via SNS: Scammers often initiate contact through platforms like LINE, Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter).
- Promises of high investment returns: Victims are lured with unrealistic profit projections.
- Development of romantic relationships: Emotional manipulation is used to gain trust and lower inhibitions.
- Requests for money for various reasons: This can include “investment capital,” “handling fees,” “taxes,” or “emergencies.”
- Use of cryptocurrency or untraceable payment methods: Scammers often prefer methods that make recovery of funds challenging.
The Iwate Prefectural Police strongly advise residents to exercise extreme caution when encountering unsolicited investment offers or when forming online relationships that quickly lead to requests for money. They recommend the following preventative measures:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited investment proposals, especially those promising unusually high returns.
- Never share personal or financial information with individuals you have only met online.
- Be wary of anyone who pressures you to act quickly or discourages you from seeking advice.
- Do not send money to someone you have not met in person or whose identity you cannot verify.
- If an offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
- If you receive suspicious messages, report them to the SNS platform and consider blocking the sender.
The police department encourages anyone who believes they may have been targeted by such a scam, or who has any concerns, to contact their local police station or the Iwate Prefectural Police’s consultation service immediately. Early reporting can be crucial in preventing further financial loss and in assisting law enforcement in their investigations.
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岩手県警 published ‘SNS型投資・ロマンス詐欺発生情報’ at 2025-08-22 11:33. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.