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Osaka to Ban People Over 65 from Making Phone Calls at ATMs

Osaka Prefecture is introducing new AI-powered surveillance systems at ATMs to combat a surge in special fraud cases targeting the elderly. Beginning in August, residents aged 65 and over will be prohibited from using their mobile phones while operating ATMs under a new local ordinance—the first of its kind in Japan.

A small AI-equipped camera was spotted in front of an ATM at a financial institution in Daito City, Osaka, on July 23rd. Jointly developed by the Osaka Prefectural Police and Osaka Electro-Communication University, the device is programmed to detect ATM users who are speaking on the phone and automatically emits an alert:

“There is a possibility of a bank transfer scam. Please end the call.”

Staff members will then quickly approach the user to intervene. The system is designed to make phone conversations physically disruptive in ATM areas by producing loud alerts, according to officials from the Shijonawate Police Station.

The initiative is a response to a rapid rise in fraud cases. As of the end of May, Osaka had already recorded over 1,300 cases of special fraud, with total losses nearing 4 billion yen—a record-high pace.

Police note that many victims arrive at ATMs while talking on the phone, a common tactic in scams where perpetrators guide victims through money transfers.

The new ordinance, which takes effect on August 1st, targets phone use at ATMs by people 65 and older. While it carries no penalties, it is reinforced by technological solutions like the AI warning system.

Further measures are also set to roll out. Starting in October, those aged 70 or older who have not used ATMs for transfers in the past three years and reside in Osaka will be limited to transferring a maximum of 100,000 yen per day. Additionally, beginning next month, customers purchasing over 50,000 yen in electronic money at stores must explain their reasons to staff. Vendors will be required to ask questions such as, “Were you instructed by someone to make this purchase?”

These rules are part of a broader effort to address the rising threat of special fraud, with data showing that over half of the victims are aged 65 or older.

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