Police in Fukuoka Prefecture are warning residents about a scam involving fake bicycle traffic fines after a university student in Chikushino City was allegedly deceived by a man posing as a police officer. Investigators said the student was stopped on May 12 by a man wearing clothing resembling a police uniform and accused of several bicycle violations, including smartphone use while riding. The suspect demanded JPY22,000 in fines and accepted JPY8,000 in cash before leaving on a motorcycle. The victim later contacted police after consulting family members. Authorities believe this is the prefecture’s first case involving fraudulent enforcement of the new bicycle “blue ticket” citation system and stressed that officers never collect fines directly at the scene. Source: NHK News / TNC News
Photo: Fukuoka Now (For image purposes only)
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