Kumamto prefectural police's new mascot Warumon attends a national community safety campaign ceremony in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Oct. 1. (Eiji Zakoda)

Photo/Illutration Warumon stands behind Kumamon at ceremony of the national community safety campaign held in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Oct. 1. (Eiji Zakoda)

ASO, Kumamoto Prefecture--The Kumamoto prefectural police have recruited a new official mascot but unlike other popular characters, Warumon is not to be trusted.

Instead, the mascot calls itself a fraudster and is being utilized as a crime-fighting tool.

Warumon frequently appears at events to demonstrate common fraud practices, aiming to raise fraud prevention awareness among prefectural residents.

Warumon’s appearance is similar to that of Kumamon, the cuddly official mascot of the prefecture, except that it sports an evil grin. 

On Oct. 1, Warumon appeared along with Kumamon at the launch ceremony of the national community safety campaign held at the “Michi no Eki” (Roadside station) in Aso.

Children waiting for Kumamon called out to Warumon, warning, “It’s a thief, Kumamon!”

Warumon was proposed after the prefectural police invited ideas from the private sector for fraud prevention awareness in April this year.

The idea of the mascot character who demonstrates fraud techniques was chosen. While its body shape resembles Kumamon, Warumon has sharper eyes and X-shaped marks on its cheeks, in contrast to Kumamon’s red circles.

The police explained, saying, “We chose it based on the overall judgment that its friendly character could effectively convey fraud techniques.”

The police also confirmed with Kumamon’s team that Warumon is an entirely independent character it created and will carry out its activities separately from Kumamon.

Warumon began making public appearances on Sept. 15. In addition to public events, it is featured in videos, fliers and banners that showcase fraud techniques, actively contributing to fraud prevention efforts.

The mascot's popularity is gradually growing and event bookings for the rest of the year are already full.

According to the National Police Agency, there were 17,662 fraud cases in Japan from January through August, with total damages of 83.1 billion yen ($545 million), representing a year-on-year increase of 5,255 cases and 47.9 billion yen.

“Not only elderly people but also those in their 20s and 30s are falling victim to special fraud," said Rumi Kamaga, deputy director of the life safety planning division of the Kumamoto prefectural police. "Our survey indicated that many victims were unaware of actual fraud techniques, such as impersonating police officers. We hope Warumon will help educate the public about these methods.”