Key Points
- Cases of fraud involving individuals impersonating Japanese customs officials or police officers have been reported across the United States.
- These scammers use fluent Japanese to claim that illegal drugs have been discovered in a package you sent, threatening deportation or passport invalidation to instill fear and extract credit card information or money.
- Impersonators may also claim to be embassy or consulate staff, but legitimate officials would never make such threats over the phone.
- If you receive such a suspicious call, do not comply. Hang up immediately and report the incident to the police.
Details
- Overview of the Scam
Fraudsters across the United States have been targeting individuals, impersonating Japanese customs officials or police officers to steal credit card information or money. - Common Tactics
Scammers call Japanese residents’ mobile phones in Japanese, claiming:- Illegal drugs were found in a package you sent.
- You must report to authorities immediately or face deportation or passport invalidation.
If you state that reporting is not possible, the call is transferred to someone impersonating a Tokyo airport police officer for further questioning.
- Confirmed Cases
While some victims have hung up the phone before being defrauded, reports from other cities indicate attempts to extract credit card details. In some instances, impersonators claim to be embassy or consulate staff. - Official Conduct
Japanese customs officials, police officers, embassy, or consulate staff will never:- Threaten deportation or passport invalidation over the phone.
- Request credit card information or payment.
If you receive such a call, assume it is a scam. Hang up immediately and consult family, friends, or local authorities. Never provide personal or financial information.
- If You Are Victimized
If you have inadvertently shared personal or financial information or sent money, report the incident to the police immediately and notify the Japanese consulate.
Fraudulent schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Stay alert and protect yourself from such scams.
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