Job Discussion Forums

[TK4Lakers]

I moved from Ibaraki-ken to Tokyo last July, but I forgot to cancel my bank account there (and forgot to change address).
(note: I had about 30,000 yen deposited)

Last month, I get a call from the above bank saying 500,000 yen was accidentally transferred to account, and for me to sign some papers to release the money.
A few days later, I get another call saying the money is now missing and if I knew anything about its whereabouts.

I get home and try to look for my account info, card or tsu-cho, and find that both are missing. I must've lost them during the move-out.

Anyway, I go to the bank yesterday and find that all of the money except about 1,000 yen is missing. Since I needed some cash, I tried to withdraw the leftover money with my 2 forms of ID and inkan, but the bank won't let me.
I then ask where the money went - they don't know.
I ask to see a summary statement from last July (from the time I moved), and they can only print out this years.

Getting access to last year's summary, or withdrawing the money, or even trying to close the account (although I don't want to until I find the 30,000 yen) requires me to fill out 3 different forms: one to put a stop to my card/tsu-cho, one to change my address, one to request a statement summary from last year.
The bank seemed more concerned about the situation with the 500,000yen but that's not my problem, I'm more concerned about MY missing 30,000 yen.

The bank says it will "search" for my missing money, but my biggest concern is I leave this country for good (kikoku) at the end of March next month. I doubt they will find my money.
And it's hard for me to imagine this is a case of fraud or theft since I feel like Japan is such a safe and honest country. Also, that'd mean if someone confiscated my card they'd have to know my PIN number.

Back home...even without your ATM card, you can access anything and everything online or by 2 forms of ID. Just one of the annoying things about Japan...

any advice or anyone with similar experiences?

[Apsara]

Um, you don't really think that fraud and theft don't happen in Japan, do you? It seems pretty obvious to me that that is exactly what has happened with your account. In some cases just your passbook is enough to access the account. I think your chances of seeing that money again are pretty slim. Just be glad it wasn't 300,000 yen, or 3 million yen.

[markle]

Um.. I'd be a little worried that someone has been playing silly buggers with your bank account. Watch the bank doesn't come after you for the missing money. You didn't give your details over the phone did you?
Sounds like you paid a 29000yen fee for "Don't leave your bank details lying around" lesson. Sorry.