In 2024, Japan saw an alarming rise in social media scams, with people losing more money than ever before. Many individuals fell victim to fraudsters who tricked them through online romance and investment scams. The number of these cases more than doubled compared to the previous year, causing serious financial losses across the country.
According to the National Police Agency (NPA), scammers stole a shocking 126.8 billion yen ($833 million) in total. This amount was 81.3 billion yen higher than in 2023. The rise in fraud cases highlights the growing dangers of online scams and the increasing sophistication of criminals who use technology to deceive people.
Investment and Romance Scams on the Rise
Investment scams were one of the biggest concerns in 2024. Fraudsters used social media platforms to convince people to invest in fake business opportunities or cryptocurrency schemes. Many victims believed they were making smart financial decisions, only to realize later that they had been tricked. The number of such cases jumped to 6,380, which was an increase of 4,109 cases from the previous year.
Romance scams were another major issue. Criminals pretended to be in love with their victims and built trust over time before asking for money. These scams often involved fake identities, with scammers posing as wealthy businesspeople, military personnel, or professionals working abroad. In 2024, romance scam cases surged to 3,784, up by 2,209 from 2023. Many victims lost large sums of money after being emotionally manipulated by fraudsters.
Special Fraud Cases Hit Record High
In addition to romance and investment scams, police reported a record-high amount of money stolen through “special fraud” cases. These scams involved criminals pretending to be police officers, government officials, or bank employees to trick people into handing over their money. Scammers stole around 72.2 billion yen through these fraudulent activities, marking a 59.4 percent increase from the previous year.
The number of special fraud cases rose by 10.2 percent, reaching 20,987 incidents. Most victims were contacted by phone, with around 80 percent of the calls coming from overseas. This suggests that many of these scams were organized by international criminal groups targeting Japanese citizens.
Use of Online Bank Accounts in Scams
One reason for the rise in financial fraud was the increased use of online bank accounts. Almost all scams linked to social media, as well as most special fraud cases, involved money being transferred through online banking. These accounts allow larger sums to be moved quickly compared to traditional ATMs, making it easier for criminals to steal money and disappear without a trace.
Online transactions are also harder for authorities to track, making it challenging to catch fraudsters. Because of this, police are urging the public to be cautious when dealing with people who insist on using online banking for transactions.
Police Efforts to Fight Fraud
Law enforcement agencies in Japan are working hard to combat these scams. Police are warning people to be extra careful when they receive suspicious messages or calls. They are also advising the public not to trust strangers on social media who ask for money or offer high-return investment opportunities.
Additionally, financial institutions are being asked to strengthen their security measures. Authorities are encouraging banks to introduce monitoring systems that can detect fraudulent transactions more effectively. By keeping a close watch on unusual activities, banks can help prevent people from becoming victims of scams.
Increase in Overall Crimes
Apart from fraud cases, the overall number of crimes investigated in 2024 also increased. For the third consecutive year, crime rates continued to rise, with a total of 737,679 cases being investigated. This indicates that financial fraud is just one part of a larger issue concerning public safety in Japan.
How to Stay Safe from Scammers
Given the rising number of scams, it is important for people to stay informed and take steps to protect themselves. Here are some key tips to avoid falling victim to fraud:
- Be Careful on Social Media – Do not trust people you meet online too quickly. Scammers often create fake profiles to trick victims.
- Verify Investment Opportunities – Always check the legitimacy of investment offers before sending money. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Avoid Sending Money to Strangers – Never transfer money to someone you have only met online, especially if they claim to be in love with you or offer business deals.
- Beware of Unusual Phone Calls – If someone claims to be a police officer or government official and asks for money, confirm their identity by calling the official agency directly.
- Monitor Your Bank Account – Keep an eye on your bank transactions to detect any suspicious activity.
- Educate Yourself and Others – Share information about scams with family and friends to help them stay safe as well.
The rise in social media scams in Japan is a serious issue, with thousands of people losing their money to fraudsters in 2024. Investment and romance scams have become increasingly common, and special fraud cases are at an all-time high. The use of online bank accounts has made it easier for criminals to steal money without being caught.
