A report from the National Police Agency in Japan has revealed that police forces across the country have confiscated lists containing personal information on about 2.35 million individuals from fraud bases between fiscal years 2020 and 2024. These lists are believed to have been utilized by organized crime groups engaged in special fraud schemes, which often involve targeted phone calls exploiting the detailed personal information obtained. The ongoing situation highlights a worrying trend of increasing sophistication in fraud operations, resembling an 'information industry' driven by the misuse of personal data.

In the fiscal year 2024 alone, a significant 510,000 individuals’ data was seized, prompting local police to take action by visiting or contacting the individuals affected through call centers to raise awareness about the risks. This proactive approach by law enforcement is aimed at preventing potential victimization by encouraging people to be cautious about sharing their personal information and to be vigilant against scams. The police summarily emphasize the importance of safeguarding personal data, reinforcing that individuals must be aware of the dangers of easily inputting or communicating their information to third parties.

The scale of the data seizures underscores the transformation of special fraud into a more organized and extensive operation, marking a shift in tactics where fraudsters meticulously craft deceptive narratives tailored to the personal history of victims sourced from these lists. As this trend continues, the need for widespread preventative measures is increasingly important, both within law enforcement and through public awareness campaigns, to combat the burgeoning challenges posed by these criminal enterprises in Japan.