WorldJun 27, 2026, 8:23 AM

Osaka Police Debut Virtual 'AI Chief' to Combat Surge in Imposter Scams

Axios (Tổng hợp từ english.kyodonews.net)

Police in Osaka, western Japan, have introduced a virtual 'AI chief' named AIko to raise public awareness about imposter scams, especially among young people, as cases continue to rise. The AI character will appear on official police channels, replacing live chiefs in some campaigns, to make prevention messages more engaging. Osaka is among the regions hardest hit by such scams, where criminals often impersonate bank staff, police, or relatives.

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On May 26, 2026, the Osaka Prefectural Police in Japan officially launched a virtual 'AI chief' named AIko, a new initiative to address the growing number of imposter scams in the region.

According to authorities, AIko is designed primarily to deliver warning messages and guidance on fraud prevention, targeting young people—those who frequently engage with digital platforms and are vulnerable to sophisticated scams.

The AI character will appear on official police channels, including social media and promotional videos, replacing live police chiefs in some campaigns. Officials hope AIko will engage the public, especially younger generations, by being more relatable and appealing, thereby enhancing crime prevention efforts.

Osaka is among the regions hardest hit by imposter scams, where perpetrators often pose as bank employees, police officers, or relatives to steal assets. Applying AI technology to public communication is seen as an innovative step, though it also poses challenges in maintaining accuracy and public trust.