Police warn of scams and misinformation after Kumamoto earthquake

A magnitude‑7 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, 2024, with the strongest shaking recorded in Uki City and Hikawa Town. In the disaster’s aftermath, the National Police Agency issued alerts urging the public to be vigilant against fraud and false information.

Officials highlighted several tactics used by scammers, including reposting past disaster images as current damage, fabricating rescue requests with non‑existent addresses, and distributing QR‑code links that lead to fake donation sites. They advised residents to verify images, source credibility, and official URLs before sharing or donating. The police also increased patrols and provided a safety hotline (096‑381‑0110) as part of the "Yuppi Safety Mail" service, which disseminates timely crime‑prevention information to the community.

The agency emphasized that unchecked misinformation can hinder rescue efforts and that scammers often exploit the public’s goodwill during emergencies. Citizens are urged to consult official channels for assistance and to report suspicious communications.