A recent surge in romance scams has been observed in Japan throughout February. Online fraudsters are capitalizing on unsuspecting singles, exploiting their vulnerability during the month of romantic celebration. Law enforcement urges vigilant online interaction, advising users to be skeptical of individuals swiftly expressing deep feelings without personal meetings, or anyone asking for financial support.

Romance scams are a concern in Japan, particularly around occasions like Valentine’s Day. With high respect for privacy and a cultural tendency towards respect and trust in relationships, the Japanese can often fall prey to such scams. The growing penetration of online dating and social media interaction adds another layer to this vulnerability. Cybersecurity and personal safety thus become a societal and legal concern.

Similar scams persist in the US and the EU. Scammers exploit emotions and loneliness, frequently during holiday seasons. While victims in Japan often don't report cases due to shame or distress, in the west, awareness-raising campaigns encourage victims to report scammers to law enforcement, and legal actions are aggressively pursued.