USA: Attempted Fraud Cases Involving Impersonation of Japanese Customs Officers and Police Officers

Attempted Fraud Cases Involving Individuals Posing as Japanese Customs Officers or Police Officers in the Houston Consulate’s Jurisdiction

Please be aware of ongoing attempted fraud cases within the Houston consulate’s jurisdiction, where individuals impersonate Japanese customs officers or police officers. These impersonators attempt to deceive victims by suggesting possible deportation to Japan or passport invalidation, aiming to obtain personal information such as credit card numbers or money.

Consider this information seriously and regularly share such details with those around you to help prevent the spread of fraud.

1. Summary of Attempted Fraud Cases

•(1) The victim receives a phone call from someone posing as a Japanese customs officer, claiming, “Prohibited drugs were found in a package you sent. If you are unaware of this, you will need to report it to the police.”

•(2) They threaten that failure to submit the report could result in deportation to Japan or the invalidation of the victim’s passport, pressuring the individual to file a police report.

•(3) The call is then transferred to an individual impersonating a police officer, who begins discussing the report. Multiple people work together, raising various concerns, such as, “Your personal information may have been misused” or “Your credit card may be used in a criminal money-laundering scheme.” Over time, these individuals stoke anxiety in the victim, attempting to extract personal information, including credit card details.

2. How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

•(1) If you receive a suspicious phone call asking for personal information, do not make decisions alone. Discuss the matter with family, friends, or the police, and respond with caution to prevent potential harm.

•(2) Be extremely cautious if communication with strangers, especially via email or social media, escalates to financial exchanges.

•(3) Fraud schemes have grown increasingly sophisticated and varied. Besides this reported case, the consulate has also received reports from Japanese residents of romance scams through dating apps and phishing scams impersonating banks. Continuously gather information and remain vigilant, avoiding assumptions like, “It won’t happen to me.”