“Account Freezing” “Free Bus for Over 65s” False Video Targeting Seniors are Spreading.

There has been an increase in false videos targeting elderly people on the internet, such as claims that "post office accounts will no longer work from July 1" and "bus fares will be free for people over 65." These false videos are spreading, raising concerns.

Examples of False Videos:

1. "Bank Account Freezing" Claim: A video features a man holding a sign that says "Important Notice" in front of a background resembling Japan Post. The video claims that postal accounts will be frozen unless identification is confirmed, but this information is completely false. The video also uses awkward phrasing and strange language, like using "ショー" (show) instead of "章" (chapter), signaling it is fabricated.
2. Free Bus Fare Claim: Another video falsely claims that from July 1, 2025, people over 65 will get free bus rides, including in large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi. The video even discusses how to apply for a special senior card to access free transportation, but this information is also false. When local governments were contacted, they confirmed these claims were not true.
3. "Free Electricity" Claim: A video claims that by pressing a button, air conditioning can run 24 hours without costing any electricity. The video falsely attributes this claim to Daikin, and the company has denied any connection to such claims, warning people to be cautious of misleading ads that use their name.

Why Are These Videos Targeting the Elderly?

The common theme among these videos is that they target seniors, often using words like "longevity," "65 years old and above," and "seniors" in the titles or channel names to catch their attention. Many elderly viewers may trust the videos, especially when they feature familiar brands like Japan Post or have a friendly, trustworthy appearance.

Motivation Behind the False Videos:

Experts suggest that the primary goal is to generate revenue. Anyone can upload videos to platforms like YouTube and earn advertising income based on the number of views. If a video goes viral, the creator can earn thousands of yen in ad revenue. AI tools might also be used to create a large volume of low-quality videos, hoping that one will become popular and generate earnings.

Local governments and companies like Daikin have warned the public about these false claims, but there are still cases where people continue to believe the misleading information.