HYOGO (TR) – A quick-thinking female police officer from Hyogo Prefecture last month tricked a would-be “ore ore sagi” fraudster over the telephone, which resulted in his arrest in Osaka Prefecture, reports the Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 5).
Ore ore sagi literally translates to “it’s me” fraud, which is exactly what unfolded on July 18. The officer received a call on her official phone while working at the prefectural police headquarters. On the other end of the phone, a man claimed to be her son, saying he caught a cold and went to the hospital.
Realizing it was a scam, she played along, nurturing a slow-paced, elderly-sounding conversation. The scammer asked her to prepare 3 million yen, claiming he impregnated his affair partner and needed it for a settlement.
She continued the conversation with imagined concern, asking if he was okay and reacting as a worried parent would, while further claims about losing his job and facing a lawsuit were made.
The meeting point for the handover of the cash was near JR Konan Yamate Station in Kobe City. The officer disguised herself as an elderly woman, wearing a wig with gray hair and a mask. She also bent over slightly as she walked and carried an eco-bag containing an empty paper bag under a parasol.
Seven other officers were positioned nearby for the bust.
The suspect was a 40-year-old man from Suita City, Osaka. After around 20 minutes, he appeared, posing as a legal assistant. The officer handed him the eco-bag. Aiming to provide an immediate action, she said, “Here’s the cash.” Noticing the bag was empty, the man then tried to flee but was swiftly arrested by the awaiting officers on suspicion of attempted fraud.
Reflecting on her role, the officer worried about how convincing her act was while waiting. She emphasized how ore ore frauds exploit parental emotions and shared her determination to reduce victimization through her experience.
