Two University Students Honored for Preventing Phone Scam in Kawasaki

Two university students received certificates of appreciation from the Miyamae Police Station in Kawasaki on Tuesday for preventing a phone scam [1, 2].

The intervention highlights the critical role of public vigilance in combating "special fraud" schemes that frequently target elderly citizens in Japan. By recognizing suspicious behavior in real-time, the students prevented a significant financial loss for a senior resident.

Jin Otani, 20, and Ami Honda, 19, intervened on May 6, 2026 [1, 2]. The pair noticed a 77-year-old man acting suspiciously while on the phone and decided to approach him [1, 2]. After speaking with the man, they escorted him to the police to ensure the situation was handled safely [1, 2].

Otani said the decision to intervene was based on a personal connection to the man's age. "He was about the same age as my own grandfather, so for a moment, a feeling came down on me that if my own grandfather were in trouble, I would help him," Otani said ^[1].

During the encounter, Otani questioned the man about the identity of the person on the other end of the line. Otani said the man was asked who he was and responded that he was a passerby, before asking the senior citizen who he was speaking with. The man replied that the caller was his son, Kenji ^[1].

Police officials honored the students during the ceremony on May 26, 2026, recognizing their quick intuition and willingness to act [1, 2]. The students' actions stopped the fraud attempt before any money changed hands ^[1].

"I am really happy that a person about the age of my grandfather was helped and did not have to pay money," Otani said ^[1].