Tokyo authorities warn of record surge in specialized fraud

Authorities in Tokyo are intensifying efforts to combat a surge in specialized fraud. In Akishima, the Metropolitan Police Department held a crime prevention event to warn citizens about evolving tactics, including “fake police scams” involving video calls and “SNS-type investment scams” that lure victims through platforms like TikTok.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, fraud damages in Tokyo from January to August this year have reached approximately 48.47 billion yen, a pace that exceeds the record-breaking totals seen last year. In the Akishima area specifically, damages from social media-driven investment scams have increased nearly fivefold compared to the same period last year.

To assist in prevention, officials are encouraging the use of the “Digi Police” crime prevention app and urging the public to remain skeptical of promises of guaranteed profits.