Financial Crime World

Financial Crime Cases Soar in Japan: Police Statistics Reveal Alarming Increase in Specialized Fraud

Staggering Surge in Financial Losses and Reported Cases

According to the National Police Agency’s latest statistics for 2022, a staggering 31.5% surge in financial losses and a 21.2% rise in reported cases of specialized fraud have cast a dark shadow over Japan’s financial landscape.

Record-Breaking Figures Revealed

  • The total amount lost due to specialized fraud reached a record ¥37.1 billion, up from ¥28.2 billion in 2021.
  • The number of reported cases jumped to 17,570, a significant increase from 14,498 the previous year.
  • The police handled an astonishing 6,640 cases, involving 2,458 fraudsters.

Young Accomplices Lured into Schemes

The majority of these young accomplices were lured into joining schemes through online platforms, often referred to as “dark part-time jobs” or yami baito. In some instances, they played the role of receiving money from unsuspecting victims.

Growing Concerns and Concentrated Areas

Specialized fraud, which involves swindling people via phone calls or other means without face-to-face interaction, has become a growing concern in Japan. The police have noted that most cases are concentrated in major metropolitan areas, with:

  • Tokyo
  • Kanagawa Prefecture
  • Osaka Prefecture
  • Chiba Prefecture
  • Saitama Prefecture
  • Hyōgo Prefecture
  • Aichi Prefecture accounting for roughly 70% of all cases.

Daily Losses and Average Case Value

On a daily basis, the amount lost due to specialized fraud increased by ¥24.3 million to ¥101.6 million, with each case resulting in an average loss of ¥2.2 million.

Main Types of Fraud

The breakdown of main types of fraud reveals that:

  • “Refund fraud” was the most common
  • “Ore ore sagi” scams followed closely
  • “Cash card scams” were also prevalent

Increased Awareness and Vigilance Needed

These alarming statistics have raised concerns among authorities and citizens alike, highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance against this type of financial crime. As Japan’s economy continues to evolve, it is crucial that measures are taken to combat these sophisticated schemes and protect its citizens from falling prey to fraudsters.