Key Points:
- Reports of phone scams involving impersonation of Japanese customs officials, police officers, or consulate staff persist.
- Calls are conducted in Japanese and aim to extract personal information such as credit card or bank account details.
- If you receive calls demanding money or personal information related to unfamiliar matters, consider it highly likely to be a scam. Remain calm, and do not provide any financial or personal information, even if instructed to do so.
Common Scenarios Reported:
- Impersonation of Japanese Government Officials
- A caller identifying themselves as “Murakami” claims to be an official from the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau.
- Similar scams involve the use of names of other Japanese government agencies, such as customs, police, embassies, or consulates.
- Personal Information Verification
- The scammer already knows your last name, phone number, and address and uses this information to gain your trust.
- False Allegations and Threats
- Claims may include accusations such as a drug shipment linked to your name or a mobile phone under your name being used in criminal activities.
- The scammer may transfer the call to someone posing as a police officer, who will press for further details or request your presence at a police station.
- Threats of deportation or arrest may be used to create urgency and fear.
Recommended Actions:
- Remain Calm and Verify:
- Hang up the call immediately. If you are concerned, directly contact the organization the caller claimed to represent to verify the information.
- Japanese government agencies will never request credit card or bank account information over the phone.
- Do Not Share Personal Information:
- If unfamiliar allegations are presented or money is demanded, treat the call as a likely scam.
- Avoid following instructions from the caller and never provide money (e.g., via bank transfer) or personal information (e.g., credit card numbers or Social Security numbers).
- Report Suspicious Calls:
- Even if the scammer uses a different agency name or story, trust your instincts if something feels off.
- Contact your local Japanese consulate or embassy using the provided official contact numbers to report suspicious activity.
Stay vigilant and prioritize your safety by not engaging with such fraudulent callers.
