Key Points
- Reports of scams involving individuals impersonating public officials, such as customs officers, police officers, and consulate staff, continue to surface.
- Victims are intimidated with threats of arrest or deportation and pressured to provide credit card information or money.
- If you receive a suspicious call requesting money or personal information, assume it is likely a scam.
- Hang up and consult with someone around you without hesitation if you receive such calls.
Details
1. Overview of Reported Cases
Multiple reports have been received of phone scams targeting Japanese nationals, where callers pose as government officials to extort money or personal information.
Case 1:
- A caller impersonating a Tokyo Customs officer claimed prohibited substances were found in a parcel sent by the victim from the US to Japan.
- The call was transferred to someone posing as airport police, who demanded the victim appear the same day to submit a report.
- When the victim stated they couldn’t comply, they were threatened with passport cancellation and deportation. The caller also prohibited the victim from contacting others, including the Japanese consulate, claiming they were complicit.
Case 2:
- A caller claiming to be from the Consulate General of Japan in New York accused the victim of being involved in money laundering via their bank account or using fraudulent phone contracts.
- The call was transferred to someone pretending to be a Yamaguchi Prefectural Police officer, who conducted a supposed “interview” via Skype or LINE and demanded personal information and credit card details.
- The victim was coerced into paying a large sum as “bail” to avoid arrest.
2. Preventive Measures
- Don’t Trust Unsolicited Requests: If asked for money or personal details in a suspicious call, assume it is a scam, even if the conversation is in Japanese.
- Hang Up and Seek Advice: End the call immediately and consult with someone you trust.
- Official Agencies Never Request Money or Details by Phone: Japanese public institutions do not demand fines, taxes, or bail over the phone, nor do they request bank or credit card details.
- Stay Calm: Even if the caller claims to be from a reputable organization, do not follow their instructions to transfer money or share personal information.
- Verify Caller Information: Even if the displayed number appears legitimate, it could be spoofed. Be cautious.
- Raise Awareness: Share information about these scams widely to protect others.
3. If You Fall Victim
If you are scammed, act quickly to prevent further damage:
- Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company:
Notify your bank or credit card issuer immediately to suspend accounts if you’ve shared sensitive information. - Report to the FBI:
File a report on the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov/ - Obtain a Police Report:
Report the incident to your local police department and obtain a police report for evidence. - Report to Other Agencies:
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?pid=A
- IRS (Internal Revenue Service): https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft
- Check Your Credit Report:
Verify that your credit has not been misused. You can obtain a free annual credit report: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action - Freeze Your Credit:
If your credit information has been compromised, freeze your credit to prevent unauthorized accounts or loans:- TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com
- Experian: https://www.experian.com/consumer-products/free-credit-report.html
- Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/
- Social Security Number (SSN) Issues:
If your SSN is compromised, contact the Social Security Administration:- Website: https://www.ssa.gov/
- Phone: 800-772-1213
