Yes, the Japanese are really this stupid…

 Japan woman pays for 'Russian astronaut' to return to Earth in alleged scam

 (Mainichi Japan)

In this image from video made available by NASA, a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule approaches the International Space Station on Oct. 6, 2022. The crew of four includes the first Russian to launch from the U.S., in 20 years and the first Native American woman to orbit the Earth. (NASA via AP)

OTSU, Shiga (Kyodo) -- Police are investigating whether a woman in central Japan was scammed into sending around 4.4 million yen ($30,000) to a person who claimed to be a Russian astronaut working at the International Space Station and needing money to return to Earth to marry her.

    The 65-year-old woman in Shiga Prefecture, became acquainted with the person on a social networking site in June before they communicated through the Line messaging app. The person repeatedly told her they loved her and proposed marriage, the police said.

    The suspect then asked the woman for money as expenses for a rocket and its "landing fees" on Earth, said the police. The woman accepted the request and transferred money to a bank account specified by the person between August and September.