Romance scams in Japan are increasingly threatening relationships.

In 2021, beauty salon owner Rika Sawamura casually responded to a charming Instagram message from a seemingly wealthy South Korean stranger.

When Rika Sawamura, a beauty salon owner, got a DM from a seemingly attractive stranger on Instagram in 2021, she thought nothing of it and casually replied. The guy complimented her with, “You have a beautiful smile,” and dropped the info that he was South Korean and two years her junior. Rika was 37 at the time.

His profile photos screamed luxury, showing off a life of affluence. Little did Rika know, that simple message would lead her down a wild path she never expected!

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