Key Facts
• October 2025: Fraud prevention seminar held in Akita City, Japan.
• Special fraud cases and damages are increasing in recent years.
• 2024: New NISA (tax-free investment system) launched, raising investment awareness.
• Examples of fraud include fake police on LINE, fake investment schemes, and romance scams.
• Romance scams use messages like ‘I like you’ to lure victims into financial fraud.
• 2024 fraud damages: ¥376.43 million; SNS-related fraud: ¥533.50 million.
• Prevention tips: Avoid unknown contacts, verify investment claims, and follow police updates.
Summary
A seminar in Akita City highlighted the rising trend of special fraud cases, including romance scams and fake investment schemes. Police emphasized the role of new technologies like QR code payments and online banking in reducing resistance to online transactions, contributing to increased fraud. Prevention strategies include skepticism toward easy profit claims, avoiding unknown contacts, and staying informed through official updates. In 2024, fraud damages reached ¥376.43 million, with SNS-related scams accounting for ¥533.50 million. Public awareness and vigilance remain critical to combating these crimes.
