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A high school student in Hiroshima, Japan, was defrauded of 2,000 yen by a man posing as a police officer to enforce bicycle traffic violations using the new 'blue ticket' system. The National Police Agency states this is the first reported case of its kind nationwide.

'Blue Ticket' Scam Reported in Japan

A fraudulent incident involving the new 'blue ticket' system for bicycle traffic violations has been reported by the Hiroshima Prefectural Police. On April 4, a male high school student was riding a bicycle in Kure City, Hiroshima, when he crossed the road and rode onto the sidewalk. An unidentified man approached him, claiming that 'the law changed on April 4, requiring hand signals,' and 'this is a violation, so you must pay 2,000 yen.' The man, who was not a police officer, then extorted 2,000 yen from the student. The suspect is described as being in his 50s and wearing dark blue work clothes.

Police Emphasize Only Uniformed Officers Issue Tickets, No Direct Payments

According to the National Police Agency, this 'blue ticket' scam is the first of its kind reported across the country. Chief Inspector Masaki Mitsushige of the Hiroshima Prefectural Police stated that vigilance is being heightened. Chief Inspector Mitsushige clarified that typically, only uniformed police officers issue traffic violation notices (blue tickets), and it is highly unlikely for plainclothes officers to do so. Furthermore, he emphasized that police officers do not directly collect fines on the street, urging the public to be cautious.

*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-04-09)*

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