本日は、日経新聞の「秘密資金」に係る詐欺がテーマです。
ある全国レストランチェーンの会長に、「太平洋戦争の戦勝国が管理している秘密資金がもらえる」という話が舞い込みます。手に入るとされた資金は2800億円。もちろん詐欺です。
会長は様々な名目で詐欺グループにお金をだまし取られ、被害総額は36億円に達しました。
【English】
Today, I read about the “Secret Funds Fraud” that deceived a chairman.
The chairman of a nationwide restaurant chain fell victim to a fraudulent scheme involving so-called “Secret Funds” allegedly managed by the victorious nations of World War II.
The promise was tempting: he would gain a staggering ¥280 billion in secret funds.
The chairman, who had built his company from scratch, was targeted by sophisticated con artists. They spun an elaborate tale of international mystery, convincing him that these hidden funds could now be accessed.
However, there was a catch, as always.
The chairman was forced to believe that in order to unlock the vast sum, he needed to pay various administrative fees and other fabricated expenses. Eventually, he found himself pouring more and more money, convinced it was the last step to unlock hidden funds.
This type of scam, which offers non-existent secret funds, has been prevalent for decades and often targets business leaders. Corporate executives are particularly vulnerable to this kind of fraud because of their confidence and past successes.
Scammers know that the allure of something exclusive can be irresistible for someone who has already achieved significant success.
Looking at the scheme objectively, it was pure fantasy. The story was too far-fetched to be real.
But the very idea of “Secret Funds” taps into a deep-seated human desire.
Scammers exploit this desire, turning it into a dubious trap. The allure of hidden treasure, combined with a sense of privilege, often blinds shrewd individuals, such as business leaders.These types of scams are deeply rooted, preying on dreams, ambitions, and a belief in one’s own exceptionalism.
This case serves as a sobering reminder that even the most successful people are not immune to fraud.
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