Fukui man defrauded of 110 million yen in cryptocurrency scam

A man in his 70s living in Fukui Prefecture was targeted by a telephone fraud scheme in which callers pretended to be NTT employees and prosecutors. The impostors claimed a “paper money audit” required the victim to print fake investigation documents at a convenience‑store multi‑copy machine and warned that his assets would be seized unless he complied.

Following the instructions, the victim opened internet‑banking and cryptocurrency accounts, and over 22 transactions transferred approximately 110 million yen (about 1 billion yen) worth of crypto to the fraudsters’ address. The scheme was uncovered after the victim grew suspicious and reported the matter to police, who have opened a special fraud investigation.

Authorities warn that genuine prosecutors never demand money, use copy machines or fax for documents, and will not ask victims to purchase or transfer cryptocurrency.