Overview

The world can be a cruel place, especially for the elderly who are often targeted by scams. In Japan, these scams have reached new heights with the “It’s me! It’s me!” family impersonation telephone scam that preys on vulnerable seniors. Investigative journalist Daisuke Suzuki has delved deep into this true crime phenomenon, exposing the organization and methods of the groups responsible for such heinous acts. Through his reportage style, Suzuki uncovers how these young scammers are trained and operate, revealing a dark underbelly in Japanese society.

But this is not just about scams; it’s ultimately about the tension between generations in Japan. The youth versus the elderly, and how this scam is just one manifestation of that tension. Suzuki’s detailed portraits of scammers he’s interviewed will chill you to the bone. It’s a story that needs to be told, a warning to all those who think they’re safe from such tricks. In Japan or elsewhere, true crime exists where there are those willing to exploit the vulnerable for their own gain.