Japan fraud damages hit record high amid rising cybercrime

Fraudulent activities in Japan have reached record levels, according to data from the National Police Agency. In the first half of 2026, damages from internet-based scams totaled 175.5 billion yen, an increase of nearly 50 billion yen compared to the same period in 2025.

Specific emerging threats include ‘fake president scams,’ where criminals impersonate executives via email and social media to solicit urgent business funds. Between January and June 2026, these incidents accounted for 127 cases totaling approximately 3.88 billion yen. Additionally, ransomware attacks reached a record high for a single half-year period with 123 reported cases.

Broader statistics through July 2026 show total special fraud damages at 210.8 billion yen, up 63.2 billion yen from the previous year. Major contributors to these losses include SNS-based investment fraud, which caused 88.12 billion yen in damages, and fake police scams, which resulted in 61.71 billion yen in losses.