The Bank of Fukuoka, Ltd. is a regional bank in Japan, operating primarily in Fukuoka Prefecture and throughout Kyushu as part of the Fukuoka Financial Group. Below is a comprehensive analysis based on the provided criteria, focusing on online complaint information, risk assessment, website security, and other relevant factors, with the official website confirmed as www.fukuokabank.co.jp.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Search Results: There is no direct evidence from the provided references or general web searches indicating widespread online complaints specifically targeting The Bank of Fukuoka, Ltd. for fraudulent activities or poor customer service. Most references focus on the bank’s services, app functionality, and fraud warnings issued by the bank itself.
• Fraud Warnings: The bank has proactively issued alerts about scams, such as fraudulent emails and attempts targeting corporate internet banking users. For example, on April 15, 2025, the bank warned about scam emails impersonating the bank, and on March 11, 2025, it cautioned against fraud targeting corporate internet banking. These warnings suggest the bank is aware of phishing and social engineering risks and is taking steps to inform customers.
• Customer Feedback: The Fukuoka Bank app on Google Play has generally positive reviews, emphasizing ease of use for balance inquiries, transfers, and other transactions. No significant complaints about app security or functionality were noted in the provided references.
• Inference: The absence of prominent complaints may indicate a relatively low level of customer dissatisfaction. However, the bank’s warnings about scams suggest that cybercriminals may attempt to exploit its brand, which could indirectly lead to user complaints if customers fall victim.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• Operational Risk: As a regional bank under Fukuoka Financial Group, The Bank of Fukuoka operates in a regulated environment with approximately 170 domestic branches and international offices in China, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and the United States. Its financial stability is supported by its role as a core bank in Kyushu and its integration into Japan’s financial system, which is deemed robust by the Bank of Japan’s 2022 Financial System Report.
• Fraud Risk: The bank’s warnings about phishing emails and internet banking fraud indicate a moderate risk of customers being targeted by cybercriminals. Common fraud types, such as account takeover, overlay attacks, and social engineering, are relevant, as outlined in general online banking fraud literature.
• Pandemic and Economic Risks: The Bank of Japan’s report notes that Japanese financial institutions, including regional banks like Fukuoka, face risks from economic recovery delays post-COVID-19, particularly in credit costs for loans to pandemic-affected firms. However, the bank’s financial soundness is likely supported by regulatory measures and its regional focus.
• Overall Risk Level: Moderate. The bank operates in a stable regulatory environment but faces risks from cyber fraud and economic uncertainties. Its proactive fraud warnings and established infrastructure mitigate some concerns.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

• Official Website: The official website, www.fukuokabank.co.jp, is referenced consistently across credible sources, including the bank’s app, Fukuoka Financial Group, and external directories.
• Security Features:
• SSL/TLS Encryption: A basic check of www.fukuokabank.co.jp (using tools like SSL Labs) would likely confirm the use of HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate, as is standard for banking websites. However, specific details about the certificate issuer or encryption strength are not provided in the references.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): The bank’s app and internet banking services support one-time passwords (OTPs) and other authentication measures, suggesting MFA is implemented to secure online transactions.
• Fraud Prevention: The bank’s warnings about phishing and fraudulent emails indicate it likely employs anti-fraud measures, such as email filters or user behavior monitoring, though specific tools (e.g., machine learning for anomaly detection) are not detailed.
• User Security Features: The app includes secure login options, such as biometric authentication or OTPs, and allows users to perform sensitive tasks like transfers and loan management, indicating robust security protocols.
• Inference: The website and app likely adhere to industry-standard security practices for banking, including encryption and MFA. However, without detailed technical analysis (e.g., penetration testing results), it’s assumed to meet baseline requirements.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• Domain: www.fukuokabank.co.jp
• WHOIS Data: A WHOIS lookup for fukuokabank.co.jp (based on standard practices, as no specific WHOIS data is provided in the references) would likely show:
• Registrant: The Bank of Fukuoka, Ltd. or Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc., as the domain aligns with the bank’s official branding.
• Registration Date: The domain has been in use for decades, consistent with the bank’s establishment in 1945 and its digital presence since the early internet era.
• Registrar: A Japanese registrar, such as JPRS (Japan Registry Services), which manages .co.jp domains, requiring proof of legitimate business operations in Japan.
• Privacy Protection: Japanese domains often obscure personal contact details, showing only organizational information, which aligns with privacy norms for corporate domains.
• Red Flags: No evidence suggests domain spoofing or recent registration, which are common indicators of fraudulent sites. The .co.jp extension is restricted to registered Japanese businesses, adding credibility.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• Hosting Provider: The website is likely hosted by a reputable provider specializing in financial institutions, possibly in Japan, given the bank’s regional focus. No specific IP or hosting details are provided in the references, but banking websites typically use secure, dedicated hosting with high uptime and DDoS protection.
• IP Geolocation: The IP would likely resolve to a data center in Japan, consistent with the bank’s headquarters in Fukuoka.
• Security Considerations: Financial institutions often use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) like Akamai or Cloudflare for performance and security, though this is speculative without direct evidence. The hosting environment would include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits to comply with Japanese banking regulations.
• Red Flags: No indications of shared hosting or low-quality providers, which are common for scam websites.

6. Social Media Presence ¶

• Official Accounts: The references do not explicitly list the bank’s social media profiles, but the Bank of Japan’s scam warning provides a template for verifying official accounts.
• Likely platforms include LinkedIn, where the bank has a page with 48 followers, indicating a modest but legitimate presence.
• The bank may have accounts on X, Facebook, or YouTube, following the pattern of other Japanese financial institutions like the Bank of Japan (@Bank_of_Japan_e on X, @BankofJapan.en on Facebook).
• Activity: The bank’s app campaign, “NO BANK NO LIFE,” in collaboration with NO COFFEE, suggests active marketing on social media or in-app notifications to engage customers.
• Red Flags: No evidence of fake social media accounts impersonating the bank, though the bank’s fraud warnings about emails suggest cybercriminals may attempt to create fraudulent profiles. Users should verify handles against official sources (e.g., www.fukuokabank.co.jp).

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• Scam Impersonation: The bank’s warnings about fraudulent emails and corporate internet banking scams indicate that cybercriminals may impersonate the bank to steal credentials or funds. These scams often involve phishing emails or fake websites mimicking fukuokabank.co.jp.
• Brand Exploitation: The bank’s prominence in Kyushu makes it a target for brand exploitation, such as fake websites or emails claiming to be from the bank. No specific fake domains were identified, but users should be cautious of typosquatted domains (e.g., fukuokabankk.co.jp).
• Third-Party Risks: The bank’s app integrates with third-party services, such as Seven Bank ATMs and FFG Securities, which could introduce vulnerabilities if not properly secured.
• Economic Exposure: The Bank of Japan’s report highlights risks from global economic shocks and exposure to industries like energy or air transportation, which could indirectly affect the bank’s stability.
• Inference: The primary red flag is the potential for phishing and impersonation scams, mitigated by the bank’s proactive warnings. No internal misconduct or systemic issues were identified.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Content Overview: The official website (www.fukuokabank.co.jp) provides information on banking services, including deposits, loans, credit cards, insurance, and internet banking. It also includes fraud warnings and contact details.
• Legitimacy Indicators:
• Professional Design: The website aligns with the bank’s branding, featuring a clean, functional design typical of financial institutions.
• Contact Information: The site includes verifiable contact details, such as the headquarters address (2-13-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka) and phone numbers.
• Regulatory Compliance: The site likely displays compliance information, such as the bank’s SWIFT code (FKBKJPJT) and affiliations with the Japanese Bankers Association.
• Red Flags: No evidence of unprofessional content, such as spelling errors, exaggerated claims, or unsolicited investment offers, which are common on fraudulent sites.
• Accessibility: The website supports accessibility features, such as text size adjustments, and offers English content, indicating a customer-focused approach.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

• Regulation: The Bank of Fukuoka, Ltd. is a licensed financial institution under Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA), operating as a subsidiary of Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc. It is subject to strict regulatory oversight, including Know Your Client (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements.
• Affiliations: The bank is part of the Japanese Bankers Association and operates under the Bank of Japan’s supervisory framework, ensuring compliance with capital adequacy and risk management standards.
• Digital Banking: The bank’s launch of Minna Bank, Japan’s first digital bank, demonstrates innovation within regulatory boundaries.
• Red Flags: No indications of regulatory violations or sanctions, which would be unusual for a major regional bank.

10. User Precautions ¶

• Verify Website: Always access the bank via www.fukuokabank.co.jp or the official app. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or messages.
• Enable MFA: Use one-time passwords or biometric authentication for app and internet banking logins.
• Monitor Accounts: Regularly check account balances and transaction details via the app, which offers real-time updates.
• Be Cautious of Phishing: Do not share personal information in response to emails or calls claiming to be from the bank. Verify requests through official channels.
• Update Devices: Ensure smartphones run Android 10 or higher for app compatibility and security updates.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Contact the bank immediately if you suspect fraud, using verified numbers from the official website.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• Similar Entities: The Fukuoka Financial Group includes other banks, such as The Kumamoto Bank and The Juhachi-Shinwa Bank, which could cause confusion, though all are legitimate subsidiaries.
• Digital Bank: Minna Bank, launched by The Bank of Fukuoka, operates under a distinct brand but is part of the same group. Users should verify they are interacting with the correct entity (e.g., fukuokabank.co.jp vs. minnabank.co.jp).
• Fraudulent Impersonation: Scammers may create fake websites or emails mimicking the bank’s branding. For example, domains like fukuoka-bank.co.jp or fukuokabank.net could be used to deceive users.
• Mitigation: The bank’s clear branding, official domain, and fraud warnings help reduce confusion. Users should bookmark the official website and verify URLs before entering credentials.

Summary ¶

The Bank of Fukuoka, Ltd. appears to be a legitimate, well-regulated regional bank with a strong presence in Kyushu. Its official website (www.fukuokabank.co.jp) and app employ standard security measures, such as MFA and encryption, and the bank actively warns customers about phishing and fraud risks. No significant online complaints or regulatory issues were identified, though the potential for brand impersonation by scammers is a moderate concern. Users should exercise standard precautions, such as verifying URLs, enabling MFA, and avoiding suspicious emails, to safely interact with the bank’s services. If you need a deeper analysis (e.g., specific WHOIS data, IP lookup, or social media verification), please provide additional details or request a targeted investigation.