Crime Surges Amid Kumamoto Earthquakes in Japan... Concerns Rise Over Fraudulent Schemes

Authorities in Japan are urging caution as crimes exploiting the chaos caused by major disasters continue to occur.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun and other media outlets on August 6, burglaries targeting vacant homes and scams disguised as disaster relief donations are running rampant in Kumamoto Prefecture, which was recently struck by strong earthquakes.

The Uki Police Station in Kumamoto Prefecture has received around 30 reports and tips regarding burglaries following the earthquakes, with victims stating, "I returned home to find my jewelry gone" and "Cash was stolen."

In response, the Japanese government is rushing to install security cameras around evacuation centers and has deployed police officers dispatched from across the country to step up patrols and crime prevention guidance.

Police have urged residents to thoroughly lock their doors when going out or evacuating and to keep valuables with them.

Unscrupulous commercial practices exploiting the disaster are also a major issue.

The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan, a consumer protection agency, received complaints immediately after the Kumamoto earthquakes regarding individuals posing as inspection contractors and forcing residents to replace electrical distribution boards.

Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in April 2011, the center received 25,000 disaster-related consumer complaints over a one-year period.

Among the 3,900 earthquake-related consultations over the past five years, excessive agency fees (18%) were the most common.

Scams disguised as disaster relief donations are also surging.

The Japanese Red Cross Society stated that cases have been confirmed where fake emails bearing its stolen logo induce victims to use simple payment methods or make bank transfers.

A security firm confirmed phishing emails related to the Kumamoto earthquakes, and methods have also emerged on social media (SNS) where individuals impersonate victims to demand electronic money for living expenses.

The Financial Services Agency warned, "There are concerns over despicable crimes exploiting people's good intentions," urging the public to verify whether an organization is officially certified before sending donations.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.