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Where Does Phone Scam Money Go? - Following the Criminal Cash Flow

About 2 min read

Over 30 Billion Yen Stolen Annually

Japan's phone fraud losses exceed 30 billion yen per year.

The Money Trail

Step 1: Collect via cash handoff, bank transfer to disposable accounts, or prepaid cards. Step 2: Launder through ATM withdrawals, account hopping, cryptocurrency conversion, and overseas transfers. Step 3: Fund criminal operations, pay members, and finance future crimes.

Why Recovery Is Nearly Impossible

Money is withdrawn within minutes to hours. Even when accounts are frozen, the balance is usually already zero. Prevention is the only reliable defense.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I sell my bank account?

It's a criminal offense punishable by up to 5 years in prison or 3 million yen fine. If the account is used for fraud, you may also face charges as an accomplice.

Can I get my money back after a scam transfer?

In most cases, no. The money is withdrawn within minutes. Contact your bank immediately after the transfer for a slim chance of recovery.

Can I recover cryptocurrency sent to scammers?

Cryptocurrency is highly anonymous and extremely difficult to trace once routed through overseas exchanges. Recovery is even harder than bank transfers. If asked to send cryptocurrency, strongly suspect fraud and consult police (#9110).

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