Brazil: Scam Impersonating Embassy Officials

• Since November 1, multiple reports have been received regarding scams involving individuals posing as staff from the Japanese Embassy in Brazil, soliciting money over the phone.
• If you receive an unfamiliar or suspicious call, it is highly likely to be a scam. Please remain calm and do not provide any personal information or money.
• Japanese public institutions (such as embassies, consulates, and the police) will never suggest arresting Japanese nationals in order to demand money.

1. Overview of the Incidents

Since November 1, reports of suspected special scams have been increasing from various states in Brazil. The perpetrators disguise their phone numbers as those of the embassy and speak in Japanese, stating false claims such as, “A fraud has been committed in your name, and a warrant for your arrest has been issued by the police in ●● Prefecture, Japan.” They are employing extremely clever and malicious tactics to demand money and personal information. Reports have come from Goiás, Ceará, São Paulo, and Paraná states, raising concerns about the potential spread of these scams across Brazil.

The characteristics of reported incidents include:

1. The call displays the embassy’s main phone number.
2. The automated Japanese voice message states, “A letter addressed to you has arrived. Press 1 to confirm,” leading to a conversation with someone speaking Japanese.
3. The scammer identifies themselves as “Ishihara” from the Japanese Embassy in Brazil, claiming that a fraud has been committed in the victim’s name and that a warrant has been issued (in some cases, they ask for LINE contact information under the pretext of sending the arrest warrant).
4. They instruct the victim to send money directly to Japan or via PIX.
5. Reports of incidents are not limited to Japanese individuals but also include Japanese descendants; however, the perpetrators only respond in Japanese, indicating they are targeting those who understand the language.

2. Response and Preventive Measures

Public institutions (such as embassies and consulates) will not suggest arresting Japanese nationals to demand money. If you are asked for money or personal information, the likelihood of a scam is very high. Please follow these responses:

1. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and directly call the contact number they claimed to be from (the embassy) to verify the facts.
2. Do not trust the displayed phone number, as in most cases of special scams, the phone number is likely faked.
3. Do not send money or provide bank account numbers or credit card information to unknown individuals.
4. Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media, as the scammers may obtain information from there.

For all Japanese nationals residing in Brazil, if you feel even slightly suspicious or uncomfortable, please take precautionary measures to suspect it may be a scam. If you inadvertently provide money or personal information, please report and consult with the police immediately.