Online Scams & Fraud in Japan

In Japan, dating scams have continued to be the most common scam with 63% of Japanese scam cases related to online dating scams. The other common scams are online shopping scams and investment scams.

Stakeholders have stepped up efforts to fight scams with both the government and consumer authorities increasing surveillance and reporting mechanisms. So, where can you report a scam in Japan? Read on to find out this and much more including how to check for scams in Japan.

Scam Statistics in Japan

The key statistics on online fraud in Japan, according to the Global Anti Scam Alliance.

The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.

Where Can I Report a Scam in Japan?

• National Police Agency (NPA)- You can report any type of scam to the National Cybercrime Investigation Unit which is part of the police agency.
• Japan Cybercrime Control Center (JC3)- The JC3 is a government organization that handles cybercrime, including online scams. You can report incidents to them on inquiry@jc3.go.jp.
• Safer Internet Association (SIA)- Consumers can report any malicious e-commerce websites here.
• JPCERT/CC- They receive cybercrime related incidents such as phishing, malware and hacking.
• Japan Anti Fraud Organization (JAFO)- You can report any online fraud to them which they forward to necessary institutions for further actions

How to Report a Scam in Japan

Reporting a scam is crucial. At the moment, only 7% of all scams are reported. As a result, only 0.05% of all cybercriminals are caught. Reporting online fraud is not only essential if you want to try and get your money back. It is also needed to help law enforcement fight scammers better.

• Gather info: Collect all information about the suspected fraud including the name, telephone, key web pages, emails, IP address, and any other information relevant. This is needed to file a complete report.
• Report the incident: Always report to your local law enforcement and note the file number they might provide for your fraud report for future reference.
• Stop the Money: Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money such as your bank, Paypal, credit card company, or the Internet payment service provider.
• Protect yourself: Scammers often contact you again. Sometimes with the same scam. Sometimes to help you “recover your money”. Consider changing your email address/phone number. Also, install the ScamAdviser browser extension to warn you of scams.
   

Our article “How and Where to Report a Scam” gives you more detail and tips on how you can best report online fraud.

Scam Victim Support in Japan

• Police Support for - Crime Victims: They offer telephone councelling anc can be reached through 9110.
• Japanese Legal Support Center: You can reach out to them for legal advice through 0120-079714 for Japanese speakers or 0570-078377 for Non-Japanese speakers. 

How to Check for a Scam in Japan

Of course, you can always check for scams on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling, or other regulated services as well.

• The Japan Exchange Group- As the body responsible for investment and trading in Japan, you can always check for investment scams here.
• Anti-Phishing Japan- As the name suggests, they are concerned with phishing scams in Japan and you can always check them out.
• The Japan Consumer Credit Association- They are concerned with the credit card scams and collect data on card fraud across Japan.
• Sagicheck- You can check any website here as they provide relevant information about a site.

Anti-Scam Organizations & Consumer Authorities

• Japan Cybercrime Control Center (JC3)- They  work closely with other organizations such as  Safer Internet Association (SIA) and the data they collected is analyzed for further action.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Comprehensive Consumer Center- They provide consultation to  non-Japanese resident experiencing problems in Tokyo especially in e-commerce.
• Consumer Affairs Agency- The CAA is concernced with consumers welfare and provides information and support for consumers.

Popular Scams in Japan

The Targeted Elderly Scams

With senior citizens holding an estimated ¥2,000 trillion, its clear to see why they are often targeted by fraudsters. In one case, a 88-year-old Nagoya resident lost close to  ¥1.5 million to scammers who called claiming to be a doctor from Nagoya University Hospital.

The fraudster claimed that the victim’s son was admitted with a hemorrhaging in his throat and asked if there is a family history of throat cancer in their family. In the scheme which also involved other actors, the victim quickly withdrwe money from 3 savings account and sent to the caller without knowing they are scammers.

With elderly persons living alone quickly increasing, there is need for family members to safeguard their elderly parent’s assets.

Scam News From Japan

• Cambodia deports 19 suspects to Japan over alleged involvement in phone scams
• An interview with two Japanese dating service scam 'sakura'

Image source: unsplash.com