Key Facts
Between February and April of this year, a woman in her 50s from Nishi Ward, Sapporo, was defrauded of cryptocurrency worth approximately 18 million yen. The perpetrators posed as officials from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, police officers, and prosecutors, convincing her to transfer the funds. The Sapporo Nishi Police Department is investigating the case as fraud.
According to police reports, the incident began on February 27 when the woman received a phone call from a man claiming to be a Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare employee. He falsely informed her that her insurance money was being misused. Subsequently, she received additional calls from individuals impersonating police officers and prosecutors. These callers alleged that her cash card might have been used in criminal activities, that her card was involved in money laundering, and that an arrest warrant had been issued against her. They further claimed that a 20 million yen security deposit was required to resolve the matter and instructed her to keep the situation confidential.
Believing the claims, the woman followed their instructions and opened a cryptocurrency account. Between March and April 15, she transferred cryptocurrency worth a total of 18 million yen to the designated account in three separate transactions. The fraud came to light when she discussed the matter with her family, who suspected foul play. On April 25, she reported the incident to the police.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against suspicious phone calls and to consult the police through the #9110 hotline if they encounter similar situations. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
For more details, visit the original report: HBC News.
Between February and April, a woman in her 50s from Nishi Ward, Sapporo, was defrauded of cryptocurrency worth approximately 18 million yen. The perpetrators impersonated officials from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, police officers, and prosecutors, deceiving her into transferring the funds. The Sapporo Nishi Police Department is investigating the case as fraud.
The incident began on February 27 when the woman received a call from a man claiming to be a Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare employee, falsely stating her insurance money was being misused. Subsequent calls from individuals posing as police officers and prosecutors alleged her cash card was involved in criminal activities, including money laundering, and that an arrest warrant had been issued. They demanded a 20 million yen security deposit and instructed her to keep the matter confidential.
Believing the claims, the woman opened a cryptocurrency account and transferred 18 million yen in three transactions between March and April 15. The fraud was discovered when she consulted her family, who suspected foul play. She reported the incident to the police on April 25.
Authorities urge the public to remain cautious of suspicious calls and to contact the #9110 hotline for advice. The investigation is ongoing.
For more details, visit the original report: HBC News.
