Japan police warn of rising bank account and impersonation fraud

Authorities in Japan are issuing warnings regarding a rise in specialized fraud targeting bank accounts and the elderly. The Kumamoto Prefectural Police have cautioned the public against handing over cash cards, bankbooks, or passwords to others, noting that acting as a proxy for money transfers in exchange for payment is a criminal offense. Scammers often use social media or the internet to lure individuals with promises of easy part-time work involving fund transfers.

A specific and highly damaging tactic involves impersonating police officers. In one reported case, a 73-year-old man lost 3 million yen after receiving calls from individuals claiming his bank account was linked to a money laundering investigation. The scammers threatened him with arrest unless he moved his funds to a “secure” account to protect his assets.

Data from the National Police Agency indicates a significant trend in these crimes. As of July 2026, special fraud cases reached 26,051, with total damages amounting to 210.8 billion yen. Specifically, fake police scams accounted for 5,422 cases and 61.7 billion yen in losses. Statistics show that victims in their 70s are the most frequent targets, with phone calls serving as the primary method of contact for over 90% of these incidents.