Nagasaki Police Thank Convenience Store Employees for Preventing Elder Fraud Scam

Two convenience store employees in Nagasaki Prefecture received commendation from police after preventing a fraud scam targeting an elderly customer. The employees noticed suspicious activity when a customer attempted to purchase electronic money cards and alerted authorities, preventing financial loss.

Overview of the Case

On October 5th, the Nagasaki Prefectural Police Minamishimabara Station presented commendation letters to two employees of FamilyMart Minamishimabara Katsu Store for preventing an elder fraud scam.

How the Scam Works

A man in his 60s attempted to purchase a high-value electronic money card. Scammers typically use this method to trick victims into making payments, after which the fraudsters use or exchange the cards for cash, effectively stealing the victim's money.

How the Fraud Was Prevented

Employee Kaneko Misato (39) noticed something unusual when a regular customer who typically buys lunch items suddenly wanted to purchase an expensive electronic money card. She asked what it would be used for. Colleague Nakamura Mai (38), who overheard the conversation, also suspected fraud and continued engaging with the customer while alerting Minamishipura Station. Police intervention prevented the loss.

The Growing Fraud Problem in Nagasaki

According to police data, elder fraud in Nagasaki Prefecture has reached alarming levels:

Cases by end of September: 422 incidents (126 more than the previous year)
Total loss: Approximately 2.628 billion yen (1.437 billion yen more than previous year)
Pace: Worst on record
Station area cases: 10 incidents totaling 43.82 million yen
Victims: Approximately 80% are elderly

Red Flags That Indicate a Scam

Unusual purchase behavior: Requests for high-value items inconsistent with normal shopping patterns
Pressure: Phrases like "I need this now" or "time is running out"
Evasiveness: Reluctance to explain the purpose or vague answers about intended use
Untraceable payment methods: Insistence on electronic money, gift cards, or bank transfers that are difficult to trace

Prevention Strategies

For Retail Staff

Asking clarifying questions about suspicious purchases is appropriate and important
Never hesitate to involve police if fraud is suspected
Customers who refuse police involvement may be victims

For Customers

Any instruction to send money via phone is likely a scam
Be extremely cautious if asked to purchase authentication codes, gift cards, or electronic money
Always verify with family members or police when uncertain

Where to Report or Seek Help

Non-emergency Police Hotline: #9110 (nationwide)
Emergency: 110
Fraud Prevention Hotline: Contact your local prefectural police office