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CNBC AI News, August 3rd – Japan is grappling with a surge in sophisticated fraud schemes, according to a recent report from the National Police Agency.
Scammers leveraging both telephone and social media platforms orchestrated scams totaling nearly ¥60 billion in the first half of 2025. This marks a record high since data collection began in 2004, soaring to 2.6 times the amount reported during the same period last year. The digital age, it seems, has opened up new avenues for deception.
Adding to the concern, over 13,000 related cases were reported, a significant increase of 4,200 compared to the previous year, setting yet another unprecedented peak. The sheer volume underscores the growing challenge faced by law enforcement and the vulnerability of the population.
A particularly alarming trend has emerged: fraudsters impersonating police officers. These cases accounted for a staggering 65% of total fraud losses in the first half of the year.
These con artists contact potential victims via phone, even going so far as to display fake police IDs or arrest warrants during video calls. They then falsely accuse victims of involvement in criminal activities, pressuring them to transfer funds to designated accounts – a modern twist on classic confidence tricks.
Furthermore, Japan has witnessed a rise in scams targeting elderly citizens, employing tactics that manipulate them into using ATMs to transfer money to fraudulent accounts. This preys on the trust and potential vulnerability of older demographics.
In response to this escalating crisis, the National Police Agency is considering measures to restrict the withdrawal and transfer amounts for individuals aged 75 and older when using ATMs. This potential policy shift reflects a growing urgency to protect vulnerable populations from these deceptive practices.
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Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/6284.html
