Recently, several Japanese travelers in Athens (including the airport and central areas) have reported being approached by individuals claiming to be Greek men who ask them to make a phone call in Japanese. These individuals then request financial assistance for purchasing a SIM card or exchanging money, with promises of repayment that are never fulfilled.
If approached by strangers, be cautious and do not trust them easily to avoid similar troubles.
Specific incidents involve:
– Strangers asking to make a phone call in Japanese for a “friend.”
– Requests for money for mobile SIM cards, roaming charges, or exchange fees, with promises to repay later.
– Repeated requests for financial assistance even after accompanying the individual to the bank.
Such incidents exploit the kindness of solo travelers, and recovering lent money can be challenging. If you encounter such requests, do not trust the person easily, and if you feel suspicious, leave the area and do not share your contact information.
The embassy monitors crime situations involving Japanese nationals and issues safety advisories accordingly. If you experience any issues, report them to the police and inform the embassy.
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