A 53-year-old in Shiga Prefecture lost a significant amount of money in a phone scam. The con artists exploited his lack of understanding about modern banking.

A Japanese office worker in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, was defrauded of ¥21 million after falling victim to a phone scam. Claiming to be from a telecom company and the police, the scammers convinced him to transfer funds to "verify" banknotes, exploiting his unfamiliarity with banking procedures.

This incident serves as a reminder for travelers in Japan to be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages requesting money transfers. Scammers often target tourists and residents alike, using sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals.

Japanese police are investigating the incident as a case of "special fraud" (tokushu sagi), which involves scams targeting people via phone or online. Travelers should verify any requests from authorities or companies through official channels.