Five Arrested for Investment Fraud Targeting Women Through Dating App

Aichi Prefectural Police arrested five people, including a marriage consultation company CEO, for investment fraud. The suspects lured women who responded to side job advertisements onto dating apps, then posed as men to recommend investments and defraud them of cryptocurrency.

Incident Overview

On September 2, 2026, Aichi Prefectural Police arrested five individuals for investment fraud involving a dating app. Among those arrested was a CEO of a marriage consultation company based in Fukushima Prefecture.

How the Scam Worked

According to police, the scheme followed this pattern:

Side job recruitment - Victims were contacted about side job opportunities and encouraged to register on a dating app
Contact through dating app - Once registered, victims were contacted by perpetrators posing as men
Investment solicitation - The imposters posed as potential romantic partners and offered investment opportunities
Cryptocurrency theft - Victims were persuaded to purchase and transfer cryptocurrency, which was then stolen

The organized nature of the crime shows that multiple perpetrators worked together with divided roles.

Red Flags and Warning Signs

Transition from job to romance - It is suspicious when a side job inquiry suddenly leads to dating app registration
Quick investment pitches - Be cautious if someone recently met online immediately suggests investments
Cryptocurrency requests - Most requests from individuals to buy or transfer cryptocurrency are scams
Inconsistent personal details - When asked about background or employment, scammers often give contradictory answers

Prevention Tips

Be cautious with simultaneous job and dating app interactions - Being recruited for both through overlapping channels is a common scam indicator
Verify identity before meeting - Suggest a video call; if the person refuses, fraud is likely
Consult trusted advisors about investments - Discussing investment opportunities with family, bank officials, or financial advisors can prevent fraud
Inform someone before sending cryptocurrency - Telling family or friends before sending cryptocurrency significantly reduces fraud risk

Resources for Help

Local police cybercrime units - Available in all prefectures
Consumer Affairs Agency hotline - Dial 188 (toll-free)
National Consumer Affairs Center - For consultation on fraud cases