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An interesting development during the pandemic was the decline of Japan’s fraudulent acts against the elderly. However, the resurgence of the “ore ore” scam is raising concerns about ageism and the potential declaration of incompetence among the country’s elderly population.
The “ore ore” scam has always been a sensitive subject. Scammers exploit Japan’s senior citizens by impersonating a young relative in need of immediate cash transfer through phone calls. The success of this scam is not only due to the victimization of vulnerable individuals but also highlights the lack of familiarity between elderly Japanese and their grandchildren, leading them to fall for these fraudulent calls.
Prior to the pandemic, the “ore ore” scam was earning criminals approximately $140 million annually. The lockdown measures in 2020 resulted in a significant decrease in its activities. However, the scam has been steadily resurging since then.
In response to this issue, Japan’s National Police Agency recently announced the establishment of a dedicated unit to combat scams targeting the elderly. Additionally, they proposed a plan to restrict ATM access for individuals over 65 who have not made any cash transfers in over a year. While these measures aim to protect the elderly, they raise concerns about age-based discrimination and the implications it may have on other vulnerable groups.
It is important to consider the context of Japan’s aging population, where nearly 13 million people over the age of 70 hold a driving license. The aging population is fundamentally reshaping Japanese society, and it is not an appropriate time to view age as a disqualifying factor.
The proposal by the National Police Agency highlights a disconnect between policy thinking and the evolving realities of Japan’s demographics. Instead of avoiding these challenges, Japan must acknowledge and address them directly, even if it means making difficult adjustments.
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