Key Points:
- Recently, there have been multiple reports of phone scams in which the caller impersonates staff from the Japanese Consulate (e.g., the Consulate-General of Japan in New York).
- If you receive a suspicious call asking for money or personal information with claims such as “you are involved in a crime,” it is highly likely to be a scam. Stay calm and never provide money or personal information, even if instructed by the caller.
- The Japanese Embassy or Consulates never suggest arrest or deportation, nor do they ask for money.
Details:
- Overview of the Scam: The scammers use alarming terms like “arrest” or “deportation” to intimidate victims and ultimately demand money. In some cases, the scammer may already have the victim’s name or address, not just the phone number. Below is an outline of the reported phone scam cases:
- (1) Individuals introducing themselves as “Fujiwara” or “Yoshinaga” claim to be staff from the Consulate-General of Japan in New York (speaking in Japanese).
- (2) They allege that illegal drugs were found in a package you sent to Japan and say they will transfer you to the Tokyo airport police.
- (3) After being transferred, another person posing as an officer of the Tokyo airport police interrogates you, strongly urging you to appear in person, while hinting at possible arrest or deportation.
- How to Prevent Falling Victim to Scams: The Embassy or Consulates will never suggest arrest or deportation, nor will they ask for money. Scammers may alter their claims over the phone, impersonating “bank employees” or “police officers,” but if you are asked for money or personal information based on claims you are unfamiliar with, it is highly likely to be a scam. Stay calm and follow these steps:
- (1) If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and directly contact the organization (such as the Consulate) the caller claimed to be from to verify the facts. Do not easily trust the phone number displayed on the screen, as scammers can fake it.
- (2) Never provide money (via bank transfer, etc.) or personal information (such as credit card numbers or social security numbers), even if instructed by the caller.
- (3) Avoid posting personal information on social media or the internet.
If you receive a suspicious call, or if you have provided money or personal information by mistake, promptly report and consult with the police, and contact the consulate.
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