A sophisticated criminal network has been arrested for using counterfeit MyNumber cards to open over 160 bank accounts and commit fraud totaling approximately ¥600 million, according to NHK. The case highlights growing concerns about identity fraud targeting Japan's national identification system and raises important security questions for all residents, including foreign nationals. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested four suspects in late January 2026 for fraudulently obtaining bank cash cards and credit cards using forged MyNumber cards. The group allegedly created fake identification documents to open accounts at multiple financial institutions, then used these accounts to conduct large-scale fraudulent transactions. According to NHK, investigators believe the criminal network established more than 160 bank accounts through this scheme. The fraud operation was carefully designed to avoid detection. NHK reports that the group dispersed credit cards and other financial products to approximately 30 different locations across Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. This distribution strategy appears to have been deliberately planned to delay discovery by authorities and financial institutions. By spreading their activities across multiple addresses and accounts, the criminals made it significantly more difficult for banks to identify patterns of suspicious activity. The scale of the fraud is substantial. Police estimate the group illegally used approximately ¥600 million through the fraudulently obtained accounts and credit cards. The investigation suggests this was not opportunistic crime but rather a well-organized operation that exploited vulnerabilities in identity verification processes at financial institutions. For foreign residents in Japan, this case serves as an important reminder about identity security. MyNumber cards have become increasingly important for daily life in Japan, serving as official identification for banking, employment, tax matters, and government services. The fact that criminals successfully created convincing forgeries sophisticated enough to fool multiple financial institutions demonstrates that identity theft is a serious and evolving threat in Japan. Expats should take several precautions to protect themselves. First, safeguard your MyNumber card and never share your 12-digit MyNumber with anyone except authorized entities such as employers, financial institutions during account opening, or government offices. Keep your card in a secure location and report any loss or theft immediately to your municipal office and local police. Second, regularly monitor your bank accounts and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Japanese banks typically offer online banking services that allow you to check activity frequently. Set up notifications for transactions if your bank offers this service. If you notice any suspicious activity, contact your financial institution immediately. Third, be cautious about where and how you present identification documents. When opening bank accounts or applying for credit cards, ensure you are dealing with legitimate financial institutions. Be wary of anyone requesting copies of your MyNumber card outside of official contexts. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed how the group obtained the information necessary to create the counterfeit cards or whether any personal data breaches were involved. This uncertainty underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance about personal information security. For expats who may be less familiar with Japanese identity fraud patterns and warning signs, staying informed about such cases is crucial. Consider subscribing to alerts from your bank and credit card companies, and don't hesitate to ask questions if something seems unusual about a financial transaction or account activity. This case demonstrates that Japan, despite its reputation for safety, is not immune to sophisticated financial crime. Foreign residents should apply the same level of caution regarding identity protection that they would in any other country, while taking advantage of the security measures Japanese financial institutions offer to protect customers.