Either a phone or an ATM: Japan introduces a curious ban for elderly people

Osaka Bans Elderly People from Using ATMs During Phone Calls

Osaka Prefecture, located in the western part of Honshu Island, has made an unprecedented decision at the government level, prohibiting people over 65 years old from using ATMs while talking on the phone.

As reported by TUT.AZ, this was announced by The Japan Times.

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura explained that the new measures are aimed at combating phone fraud, which most often affects pensioners. "Elderly people not only lose their savings but also suffer from severe stress. We adopted this regulation hoping to prevent such crimes," Yoshimura said after the document was passed in March 2025.

According to the regulation, financial institutions and other organizations are required to warn elderly clients about the existing ban. The official emphasized that there is no punishment for violating the rule, but authorities believe that the very existence of the ban will help protect elderly people from fraud.

Statistics show that the number of phone fraud cases in Osaka began to rise rapidly from 2021. In 2024, law enforcement agencies registered 2,658 such incidents in the prefecture. The estimated damage caused by fraudsters to pensioners amounted to 6.4 million yen (more than 76,000 manats - ed.). Moreover, the proportion of people aged 65 and older among all fraud victims exceeds 70%.