Japan police combat rising special fraud and impersonation scams

Authorities in Japan are issuing warnings and implementing preventative measures as special fraud cases continue to impact various regions.

In Saitama Prefecture, specifically within Minuma Ward, police have reported a surge in suspicious calls where individuals impersonate police officers. These scammers claim there is a pending damage report and attempt to extract personal information such as names, dates of birth, and addresses. They may use video calls on social media to display fake police IDs or arrest warrants to deceive victims into transferring money. Other reported scams in the area involve individuals posing as credit card companies or postal workers.

In Miyazaki Prefecture, fraud damages exceeded 800 million yen in the first half of 2026. To combat this, the Miyazaki Prefectural Police are promoting the use of automatic call recording devices. These devices play a warning message to callers stating that the conversation will be recorded, which serves as a psychological deterrent for criminals. As of April 2026, 645 units have been loaned to elderly households. Police note that fraud is no longer limited to the elderly, with significant numbers of victims also found in their 40s, 50s, and even under the age of 29.