Key Facts
• January 2025: Woman in Tsu City, Mie, receives call from fraud group.
• Caller claims to be from a telecom customer center, later impersonates police.
• Fraudster alleges victim’s bank account linked to organized crime activities.
• January 28: Victim instructed to withdraw savings to prove innocence.
• Victim withdraws 50 million yen daily, totaling 24 million yen.
• February 19: 13 million yen stolen after being left outside her home.
• March 5: Additional 11 million yen stolen in similar manner.
• March 13: Victim contacts police after losing contact with fraudster.
• Police investigating as a special fraud case.
Summary
A 70-year-old woman in Tsu City, Mie, was defrauded of 24 million yen by a group impersonating officials from the Tokyo Prosecutor’s Office and police. The fraud began in January 2025, with the group alleging her bank account was linked to organized crime. The victim was coerced into withdrawing her savings and leaving cash outside her home, resulting in two thefts totaling 24 million yen. The fraudsters instructed her not to inform family or police. After losing contact with the group in March, she reported the incident to authorities. Police are investigating the case as a special fraud incident.
