Sapporo Man Loses 1.27 Million Yen in SNS Investment Scam Impersonating Famous Entrepreneur

A man in his 60s from Sapporo was defrauded of 1.27 million yen after being approached on social media by someone posing as a famous entrepreneur offering investment opportunities. Police are investigating the case as an SNS-based investment fraud.

Overview of the Case

A man in his 60s from Higashi Ward, Sapporo was defrauded of 1.27 million yen after being contacted on social media by someone impersonating a famous entrepreneur offering investment opportunities. The victim reported the incident to Sapporo Higashi Police Station on July 25, 2026, and authorities are investigating it as an SNS-based investment fraud case.

How the Scam Works

This type of fraud typically follows these steps:

Impersonation: Scammers create fake accounts mimicking real celebrities or trusted business leaders
Attractive Offers: They present investment "opportunities" promising high returns or guaranteed profits
Trust Building: Fake success stories and testimonials are shared to establish credibility
Incremental Requests: Multiple payment requests are made, starting with an initial investment followed by additional deposits

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Verify Official Accounts: Check for verification badges (blue checkmarks) on the person's official SNS profile. If someone is contacting you via DM about investments, confirm they are messaging from the verified account
Unsolicited Contact: Being approached by a stranger on social media with investment proposals is a hallmark of fraud
Unrealistic Promises: Claims of guaranteed profits or "sure wins" are illegal and strong indicators of scams
No Verification Process: Legitimate investors will verify your identity through proper channels, not just SNS

Prevention Tips

Consult Trusted People: Always discuss investment offers with family members or trusted friends before making any decisions
Verify Through Official Channels: Always check registered financial institutions on the Financial Services Agency (FSA) website
Confirm Before Transferring: Call the official contact number listed on verified websites to confirm the investment opportunity is legitimate
Protect Personal Information: Never share banking details, identification documents, or passwords on social media

Where to Report and Get Help

Police Emergency Line: 110
Police Consultation: Contact your local police station or use their email consultation service
Consumer Hotline: 188 (available nationwide in Japan)
Financial Services Agency (FSA): Accepts reports and inquiries regarding SNS investment fraud

If you receive suspicious investment proposals, do not hesitate to contact the appropriate authorities immediately rather than handling the situation alone.