TOKYO, Apr 22 (News On Japan) –
Fraud circumstances involving criminals impersonating law enforcement officials are rising throughout Japan, with a brand new tactic rising through which faux arrest warrants are mailed on to victims’ houses.
One such doc was just lately despatched to the residence of an aged individual in Aichi Prefecture. It gave the impression to be an official arrest warrant, however was in reality counterfeit.
These so-called faux police scams have been reported in a number of areas.
On April 2, an aged girl in her 80s residing in Niigata Prefecture obtained a telephone name from an individual claiming to be a police officer. The caller mentioned a gang member in custody had confessed that she was an confederate who had handed over 4 million yen in money.
Following the caller’s directions, the lady reportedly disclosed private info together with her tackle and checking account particulars.
Later, as communication with the scammers continued, a faux arrest warrant bearing her identify and alleged costs was mailed to her dwelling.
The doc, clearly labeled ‘Arrest Warrant,’ raised suspicion among the many girl’s relations, who consulted police. Authorities then confirmed it was fraudulent.
Niigata Prefectural Police warned that real arrest warrants are by no means despatched by mail, noting that doing so may permit suspects to flee or destroy proof upfront.
Comparable schemes involving mailed faux warrants have additionally been confirmed in Nagano Prefecture, the place police have distributed flyers and stepped up warnings over organized fraud.
Yuto Miyazawa, part chief answerable for crime prevention steerage at Nagano Chuo Police Station, mentioned: ‘Police by no means contact folks by social media. They might by no means demand cash.’
In March, FNN reported from a rip-off base close to the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Inside have been rooms designed to resemble police stations in varied nations, suggesting that faux police scams have been being carried out in opposition to targets all over the world.
In line with the Nationwide Police Company, losses from faux police scams in 2025 totaled about 98.5 billion yen.
The variety of acknowledged circumstances exceeded 10,000, prompting authorities to proceed urging the general public to stay vigilant.
Supply: FNN
