Complete Anti-Scam Guide for Japan: From Identifying Fraud to Filing Police Reports and Recovering Funds (2026 Edition)

Chinese nationals, international students, and anyone conducting business with Japan may become targets of online scams. Scam techniques in Japan have unique characteristics, and the channels for reporting and seeking recourse differ entirely from those in other countries. This article is a comprehensive anti-scam operations manual for Japan, covering every step from identifying scams to filing police reports, making complaints, recovering funds, and accessing psychological support, with clear operational guidance at each stage.

1. The Current State of Online Scams in Japan (2026)

According to the latest statistics published by the National Police Agency (警察庁), scam crimes in Japan have continued to surge in recent years. In 2025, the total damages from tokushu sagi (特殊詐欺, special fraud) nationwide exceeded 80 billion yen, setting a new historical record. Below are the major scam categories:

1. Tokushu Sagi (特殊詐欺 — Special Fraud)

Japan's most representative type of fraud, this is an umbrella term covering multiple techniques:

• Ore Ore Sagi (オレオレ詐欺 — "It's Me" Scam): Scammers impersonate the victim's children or grandchildren by phone, saying "It's me, it's me" (オレだよオレ), then demand wire transfers citing reasons like traffic accident compensation or workplace mistakes requiring payment. Primarily targeting people over 65, individual losses typically range from 1 million to 5 million yen.
• Fictitious Billing Fraud (架空請求詐欺): Sending fake unpaid fee notifications via text or email, claiming "You have outstanding website usage fees," and inducing victims to transfer money or purchase electronic gift cards.
• Tax Refund/Subsidy Fraud (還付金詐欺): Impersonating city hall (市役所) or pension office staff, claiming "You have a tax refund/medical subsidy to collect," and luring elderly victims to ATMs to perform transfers.
• Impersonation of Financial Services Agency/Police (オレオレ詐欺の派生型): Posing as Financial Services Agency officials or police, claiming "Your bank account has been used for criminal activity and funds must be transferred to a safe account."

2. Investment Fraud (投資詐欺)

Investment fraud losses surged dramatically in 2025, making it the fastest-growing scam category in Japan:

• SNS-Based Investment Scams: Using Instagram, X (Twitter), LINE, and other social media platforms, leveraging celebrity photos or AI-generated fake celebrity videos to promote "guaranteed profit" investment schemes.
• FX/Cryptocurrency Scams: Fake forex trading platforms or cryptocurrency exchanges that allow small withdrawals initially to build trust, then refuse large withdrawal requests citing various reasons.
• Overseas Real Estate Investment Scams: Collecting investment funds under the guise of Southeast Asian real estate investments, then disappearing.

3. Romance Scams (ロマンス詐欺)

Also called "international romance scams" (国際ロマンス詐欺), these involve contacting victims through dating apps (Pairs, Omiai, Tinder, etc.) or social media, cultivating emotional relationships over weeks or months, then requesting wire transfers for various reasons:

• "I had an accident overseas and need medical expenses"
• "I sent you an expensive gift, but customs duties need to be paid"
• "I have a great investment opportunity, let's make money together"

In recent years, hybrid "romance + investment" scams combining romance and investment fraud have emerged, resulting in even larger losses.

4. Online Shopping Scams (ネットショッピング詐欺)

• Fake Shopping Websites: Phishing sites mimicking well-known e-commerce platforms like Amazon or 楽天 (Rakuten), or creating seemingly legitimate independent shopping sites that collect payments but never ship products.
• SNS Shopping Scams: Driving traffic to fake shopping websites through ads on Instagram or X.
• Second-hand Transaction Fraud: Scams conducted on platforms like Mercari (メルカリ) and Yahoo! Auctions (Yahoo!オークション).

5. Cryptocurrency Fraud (暗号資産詐欺)

• Unregistered Exchange Scams: Directing victims to deposit funds at overseas exchanges not registered with Japan's Financial Services Agency (金融庁).
• NFT/DeFi Scams: Investment fraud exploiting new concepts.
• Fake Wallet Apps: Counterfeit cryptocurrency wallet applications distributed through unofficial channels to steal private keys.

Data Sources: 警察庁「令和7年における特殊詐欺の認知・検挙状況等について」, 国民生活センター年度相談統計.

2. How to Use ScamLens to Determine If You've Encountered a Scam

When you receive suspicious website links, investment invitations, or encounter questionable shopping sites, you can use ScamLens for rapid security checks. ScamLens supports a Japanese interface — visit scamlens.org/ja/ to switch.

1. Domain Security Check

1. Open ScamLens Website Check (Japanese: ウェブサイトをチェック).
2. Enter the suspicious website's domain or full URL.
3. ScamLens will query 90+ threat intelligence sources within seconds and return comprehensive analysis results.

2. Understanding the Trust Score

• 0–20 (Extremely Dangerous): Flagged as malicious by multiple intelligence sources — stay away immediately.
• 21–40 (High Risk): Multiple danger signals present — very likely a scam.
• 41–60 (Suspicious): Some indicators are abnormal — exercise caution.
• 61–80 (Relatively Safe): Most indicators are normal, but remain vigilant.
• 81–100 (Safe): A thoroughly verified legitimate website.

3. AI Risk Analysis

ScamLens's AI analysis engine generates risk summaries in your chosen language (including Japanese), identifying specific risk factors such as:

• Domain registered too recently (詐欺サイトの特徴)
• Domain name similar to well-known brands (ブランド偽装)
• SSL certificate anomalies
• Server located in high-risk regions

4. Cryptocurrency Address Check

If cryptocurrency transfers are involved, enter the wallet address provided by the other party at ScamLens Cryptocurrency Check to check whether the address has been flagged as a scam address or is linked to known fraud organizations.

3. Searching and Reporting Suspicious Websites on ScamLens

Search Historical Reports

Enter a domain in the search box on the ScamLens homepage. If the website has already been checked by other users, you can directly view historical reports and community comments to learn about other victims' experiences.

Report a Scam Website

1. On the website check results page, click "Report this website" (このサイトを報告).
2. Select the scam type (investment fraud, shopping fraud, phishing site, etc.).
3. Describe your experience (supports Japanese, Chinese, and English input).
4. Upload evidence screenshots.
5. After submission, your report will help other users identify the scam website.

Report information is incorporated into ScamLens's threat intelligence database, increasing the website's risk score and protecting more people from harm.

4. Evidence Collection Checklist

When filing police reports and applying for fund recovery in Japan, the completeness of evidence directly determines the success rate. Below are evidence collection guidelines tailored to the Japanese environment:

How to Save LINE Chat Histories

LINE is Japan's most widely used messaging app, and many scams are conducted through LINE. Methods to preserve chat records:

1. Export chat history text: Open the chat with the scammer → top-right menu (≡) → Settings (設定) → Send chat history (トーク履歴を送信) → select send via email, generating a .txt file for safekeeping.
2. Take screenshots: Screenshot every page of chat content, ensuring dates, timestamps, and the other party's LINE ID/avatar are included.
3. Save the other party's profile page: Tap the other party's avatar and screenshot their LINE name, ID, and avatar (scammers may change or delete their account at any time).
4. Do not exit the chat: Do not block or delete the chat with the scammer before filing a police report — police may need to access it.

Bank Transfer Receipts (振込明細)

1. Online banking transfer records: Log into online banking (ネットバンキング), screenshot or download transfer details containing:
   • 振込日時 (transfer date and time)
   • 振込先口座情報 (recipient account information: bank name, branch name, account number, account holder name)
   • 振込金額 (transfer amount)
2. ATM transfer receipts: If you transferred via ATM, keep the printed receipt (明細票).
3. Convenience store payment receipts: If you paid through a convenience store (コンビニ), keep the receipt.

Other Important Evidence

Evidence Type	Preservation Method
Scam website URL and page screenshots	Take browser screenshots and save the URL; ScamLens automatically archives check records
Other party's phone number	Record the caller ID number, check call history
Emails	Save complete emails (including headers), forward to a backup email address
Social media account screenshots	Screenshot the other party's Instagram/X/Facebook profile pages
Cryptocurrency transaction records	Screenshot exchange deposit/transfer records, record blockchain transaction hashes (TxHash)
Bank card transaction SMS	Keep bank-sent transaction notification texts
App installation records	If a suspicious app was installed, screenshot the app info page (including developer name)

Important: All evidence must be collected before filing a police report. After reporting, scammers may catch wind and delete accounts or shut down websites, making it impossible to supplement your evidence later.

5. Reporting and Complaint Channels (Japan)

1. Police Consultation Hotline #9110

Japanese Name: 警察相談専用電話 (けいさつそうだんせんようでんわ)

Applicable Situations: When unsure if you've been scammed, wanting to consult whether to file a police report, or needing professional advice.

Phone: #9110 (short dial, accessible from both mobile and landline)

Hours: Weekdays 8:30–17:15 (varies slightly by prefecture; some areas answer on weekends)

Steps:

1. Dial #9110; the call will automatically connect to the police consultation desk of your prefecture.
2. Explain your situation to the operator — you can speak Japanese or ask a Japanese-fluent friend to help.
3. The operator will determine whether a crime has occurred and guide you on next steps (whether a formal report is needed).
4. If a report is needed, the operator will provide the nearest police station address and required documents.

Notes:

• #9110 is not an emergency number — it's for consultations. If you are currently being scammed or the scammer is threatening you, dial 110 directly.
• You may need to wait; queue times can be long during peak hours.
• If you don't speak Japanese, have a friend call on your behalf, or first contact the multilingual support center described below.

2. Emergency Police Number 110

Japanese Name: 110番 (ひゃくとおばん)

Applicable Situations: Currently being scammed (e.g., the scammer is threatening consequences if you don't transfer money), just transferred money and realized it's a scam (time-critical situations requiring immediate account freezing), and other emergencies.

Phone: 110

Hours: 24 hours / 365 days

Steps:

1. Dial 110.
2. The operator will ask "事件ですか、事故ですか" (Is it an incident or an accident?) — answer "詐欺です" (It's fraud) or "サギの被害にあいました" (I've been a victim of fraud).
3. Provide your name, location, a description of the scam, and the amount.
4. The operator will dispatch the nearest police or direct you to the closest police station (交番/駐在所/警察署).
5. At the police station, file a formal 被害届 (ひがいとどけ, victim report).

Information needed for the 被害届:

• Your identification (在留カード, パスポート, マイナンバーカード, etc.)
• Detailed description of the scam
• Amount and method of payment
• Scammer's contact information (phone, LINE ID, email, etc.)
• Related evidence materials

Notes:

• After filing the 被害届, you will receive a 受理番号 (case reference number) — make sure to record it, as you'll need it for tracking case progress and applying under the 振り込め詐欺救済法.
• If you encounter language barriers at the police station, you can request 通訳サービス (interpretation services); Japanese police are obligated to provide translation for foreigners.

3. Consumer Hotline 188

Japanese Name: 消費者ホットライン (しょうひしゃホットライン)

Applicable Situations: Consumer disputes, online shopping fraud, counterfeit goods, service contract disputes, advance payment fraud, and other consumer rights issues.

Phone: 188 (pronounced "いやや" = "iyaya," meaning "I hate it" — easy to remember)

Website: https://www.kokusen.go.jp/map/

Hours: Weekdays 10:00–16:00 (connects to the nearest 消費生活センター; hours vary by location)

Steps:

1. Dial 188; the system will automatically connect you to the nearest 消費生活センター (Consumer Affairs Center) based on your area code.
2. Explain your consumer dispute to the counselor.
3. The counselor will provide legal advice, assist with negotiations if necessary, or direct you to other agencies.
4. If serious fraud is involved, the counselor will recommend simultaneously filing a police report.

Notes:

• 188 connects to local 消費生活センター or 消費生活相談窓口 and does not directly handle criminal cases.
• 消費生活センター can help you analyze whether a contract is valid, whether you have the right to cancel (クーリング・オフ), etc.
• Some centers offer foreign language services — confirm in advance.

4. National Consumer Affairs Center (独立行政法人)

Japanese Name: 独立行政法人 国民生活センター (こくみんせいかつセンター)

Applicable Situations: Second-tier handling of consumer disputes, ADR (裁判外紛争解決手続) mediation, nationwide consumer issues.

Phone: 03-3446-1623 (direct line)

Website: https://www.kokusen.go.jp/

Online Complaint: https://www.kokusen.go.jp/t_box/t_box.html

Hours: Weekdays 10:00–12:00, 13:00–16:00

Steps:

1. Visit the National Consumer Affairs Center website.
2. Click "相談する" (Consult) → select online complaint or phone consultation.
3. Fill in the detailed dispute details, amounts, and counterparty information in the online form.
4. After submission, the Center will review and intervene for mediation when necessary.

Notes:

• The Center's ADR mediation is free; while results are not legally enforceable, they have a high compliance rate.
• The website contains numerous scam case studies and consumer tips (消費者トラブルFAQ) — you can research similar cases first.

5. Cybercrime Consultation Desk (サイバー犯罪相談窓口)

Japanese Name: サイバー犯罪に関する相談窓口

Applicable Situations: All cybercrimes, including online fraud, phishing attacks, unauthorized access (不正アクセス), online shopping fraud, etc.

Website: https://www.npa.go.jp/bureau/cyber/soudan.html

Prefectural Contact List: The above URL contains contact information for cybercrime consultation desks in all 47 prefectures.

Hours: Varies by prefecture; generally weekdays 8:30–17:15

Steps:

1. Visit the 警察庁 Cybercrime Division page and find the consultation desk phone number and website for your prefecture.
2. Contact by phone or submit cybercrime-related inquiries via the online form.
3. Each prefectural police has a サイバー犯罪対策課 (Cybercrime Division) that will conduct professional investigations.

Major City Contact Numbers:

Prefecture	Phone	Notes
警視庁 (Tokyo)	03-5805-1731	Tokyo Metropolitan cybercrime consultation
大阪府警	06-6943-1234	Osaka Prefecture cybercrime consultation
神奈川県警	045-211-1212	Kanagawa Prefecture cybercrime consultation
愛知県警	052-951-1611	Aichi Prefecture cybercrime consultation
福岡県警	092-641-4141	Fukuoka Prefecture cybercrime consultation

6. Financial Services Agency (金融庁)

Japanese Name: 金融庁 (きんゆうちょう)

Applicable Situations: Investment fraud, unregistered financial operators, fake trading platforms, cryptocurrency exchange compliance issues.

Phone: 0570-016811 (金融サービス利用者相談室)

Website: https://www.fsa.go.jp/receipt/soudansitu/

Online Reporting: https://www.fsa.go.jp/opinion/

Hours: Weekdays 10:00–17:00

Steps:

1. If you suspect an investment platform or cryptocurrency exchange is not registered with the Financial Services Agency, visit the FSA website to check the registered entity list.
2. Entities not on the list are unregistered operators (無登録業者) and are operating illegally.
3. Call 0570-016811 to report unregistered operators, or submit a report via the online form.
4. The FSA will investigate and publish warnings on its website (警告書面の発出).

Useful FSA Resources:

• 無登録業者一覧 (List of Unregistered Operators): A regularly updated blacklist
• 暗号資産交換業者一覧 (List of Registered Cryptocurrency Exchanges): Verify whether an exchange is legitimate

7. Anti-Phishing Council (フィッシング対策協議会)

Japanese Name: フィッシング対策協議会 (フィッシングたいさくきょうぎかい)

Applicable Situations: Reporting phishing websites, phishing emails, and fake websites.

Reporting Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.antiphishing.jp/

Reporting Page: https://www.antiphishing.jp/registration.html

Hours: 24-hour online reporting

Steps:

1. Visit the Anti-Phishing Council website.
2. Click "フィッシングの報告" (Report Phishing).
3. Fill in the phishing website URL, contents of the phishing email received, the impersonated brand name, and other information.
4. After submission, the Council will notify the impersonated companies and browser/security vendors to expedite the site's takedown.

Notes:

• The フィッシング対策協議会 is a Japanese government-recognized anti-phishing organization jointly operated by the government and private enterprises.
• After reporting, phishing sites are typically flagged as dangerous by browsers within 24–72 hours.

8. Complaints Under the Specified Commercial Transactions Act

Japanese Name: 特定商取引法 (とくていしょうとりひきほう) に基づく申出

Applicable Situations: Fraudulent conduct in online shopping, telephone solicitation (電話勧誘販売), and door-to-door sales (訪問販売).

Complaint Authority: 消費者庁 (しょうひしゃちょう, Consumer Affairs Agency)

Phone: 03-3507-8800

Website: https://www.caa.go.jp/

Steps:

1. If a merchant engages in false advertising, failure to deliver goods, or refusal to refund in online shopping, you may file a complaint under the Specified Commercial Transactions Act.
2. Call the Consumer Affairs Agency or submit a complaint via its website.
3. The Agency has the authority to issue administrative sanctions against violating businesses (業務停止命令, etc.).

Advice for Foreigners Who Don't Speak Japanese

Foreign Language One-Stop Center (外国語対応ワンストップセンター):

• Phone: 0570-078377
• Supports 20 languages including Chinese, English, and Korean
• Can help with translation and referral to the correct consultation desk

JNTO Traveler Hotline (for short-term visitors to Japan):

• Phone: 050-3816-2787
• Supports Chinese, English, and Korean

6. Filing Complaints with Website Service Providers to Take Down Scam Websites

After discovering a scam website, in addition to reporting through official channels, you can file complaints directly with the website's service providers to accelerate the takedown.

Step 1: Look Up Website Registration Information (WHOIS)

1. Visit WHOIS Lookup or JPRS WHOIS (specifically for .jp domains).
2. Enter the scam website's domain name and look up the Registrar information.
3. Record the registrar name and abuse contact details.

Step 2: Send an Abuse Complaint to the Domain Registrar

Find the registrar's abuse email (typically formatted as [email protected]) and send an email including:

• The scam website domain
• A description of the fraudulent activity
• Your experience as a victim
• Evidence screenshots
• A request to suspend DNS resolution

Step 3: Complain to Major Japanese Registrars

If the scam website uses a Japanese domestic registrar, you can file a complaint directly:

Registrar	Abuse Complaint Method
お名前.com (GMO)	https://www.onamae.com/abuse/ or [email protected]
さくらインターネット	[email protected]
ムームードメイン	Submit a report through the customer panel
バリュードメイン	[email protected]
Xserver Domain	[email protected]

Step 4: JPRS (for .jp Domain Complaints)

If the scam website uses a .jp domain:

• Organization: JPRS (株式会社日本レジストリサービス)
• Website: https://jprs.jp/
• Complaint Method: Submit through the JPRS website contact form, explaining that the .jp domain is being used for fraudulent activities
• JPRS, as the registry operator for .jp domains, has the authority to suspend domain names

Step 5: Notify Search Engines and Browsers

Platform	Reporting Method
Google Safe Browsing	https://safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish/
Yahoo! JAPAN	https://www.yahoo-help.jp/app/ask/p/2507/form/abuse-report (report via Yahoo! Help)
Microsoft (Edge/Bing)	https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/support/report-unsafe-site

After reporting, search engines will flag the website as dangerous in search results, and browsers will display a warning page when users attempt to visit.

7. Fund Recovery

1. Act on Damage Recovery Benefit Payments from Funds in Deposit Accounts Used for Crimes (振り込め詐欺救済法)

Full Japanese Name: 犯罪利用預金口座等に係る資金による被害回復分配金の支払等に関する法律

This is a law specifically enacted in Japan for victims of wire transfer fraud, providing a fund recovery mechanism.

Eligibility:

• The victim transferred money to a criminal's bank account due to fraud
• The bank has already frozen the criminal account
• There is still a balance in the account

Steps:

1. File a 被害届 with the police: You must first file a police report and obtain a 受理番号.
2. Contact your remitting bank: Inform the bank you are a fraud victim, provide the case reference number, and request that the bank initiate the 振り込め詐欺救済法 procedure.
3. Bank freezes the criminal account: Your bank will contact the receiving bank to freeze the criminal's account (口座凍結).
4. Public Notice Period: The 預金保険機構 (Deposit Insurance Corporation) will post the frozen account on its website and wait 60 days for the account holder to contest.
5. Distribution Application: After the notice period expires, victims can apply for distribution (分配金の支払申請).
6. Proportional Distribution: If there are multiple victims, the frozen account balance is distributed proportionally based on each victim's loss amount.

Check Notices: 預金保険機構 website https://furikomesagi.dic.go.jp/

Notes:

• The amount recovered depends on the balance remaining in the criminal account — if the scammer has already withdrawn the money, full recovery may not be possible.
• The process is free of charge and does not require hiring a lawyer (though for complex cases, you may consider retaining legal counsel).
• The entire process typically takes 3–6 months.

2. Bank Account Freezing (口座凍結)

Even without going through the full 救済法 process, you should contact your bank immediately:

1. Call the customer service number for your bank (24-hour toll-free lines):
   • 三菱UFJ銀行: 0120-543-555
   • 三井住友銀行: 0120-56-3143
   • みずほ銀行: 0120-324-878
   • ゆうちょ銀行: 0120-108-420
2. State "振り込め詐欺の被害にあった" (I've been a victim of wire transfer fraud) and request emergency freezing of the receiving account.
3. The bank will ask you to provide transfer details and police report information.

Timing is critical: The sooner you contact the bank after the transfer, the higher the probability of a successful freeze. Japanese banks' freeze response time is typically within 1–2 hours.

3. Credit Card Chargeback (チャージバック)

If you paid by credit card:

1. Immediately contact your credit card company (カード会社) and explain the transaction was fraudulent.
2. Request a チャージバック (chargeback).
3. The card company will investigate and decide whether to issue a refund, typically taking 30–90 days.
4. Also request the card company to suspend the card (カードの利用停止) to prevent the scammer from making further charges.

Major Credit Card Company Contact Information:

Card Company	Phone
VISA/Mastercard (respective issuing banks)	Contact your issuing bank
JCB	0120-794-082
American Express	0120-020120
Diners Club	0120-074-024

4. Cryptocurrency Tracing

If cryptocurrency was stolen:

1. Enter the scammer's wallet address at ScamLens Crypto Trace to obtain an on-chain fund flow tracing report.
2. Submit the tracing report as evidence to the police.
3. If funds flowed into an exchange registered with Japan's Financial Services Agency (金融庁), police can require the exchange to freeze the associated account.
4. For large cases (losses exceeding 10 million yen), consider hiring a professional blockchain analysis firm to assist with tracing.

8. Beware of Recovery Scams (被害回復金詐欺)

This is a form of secondary fraud that specifically targets scam victims, and it also exists in Japan.

Common Tactics

• Impersonating a "弁護士" (lawyer) or "被害者救済団体" (victim relief organization), claiming they can help recover your stolen money but requiring an upfront "着手金" (retainer fee) or "手数料" (handling fee).
• Impersonating police or Financial Services Agency officials, claiming "Your 被害回復金 has been prepared, but you need to pay a 振込手数料 (transfer fee) first to receive it."
• Proactively contacting you by phone, email, or LINE, claiming to have found your information from a "被害者名簿" (victim list).

How to Identify Recovery Scams

1. Legitimate institutions will never require you to pay upfront to recover stolen funds. The 振り込め詐欺救済法 process is completely free.
2. Legitimate lawyers do not proactively contact you through LINE. If you need a lawyer, find one through official channels of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (日本弁護士連合会): https://www.nichibenren.or.jp/
3. Police and the Financial Services Agency will never request wire transfers over the phone.
4. If someone claims to have a "被害者名簿," this itself indicates your personal information has been sold, and you should be even more vigilant.

If You Encounter a Recovery Scam

• Do not pay any fees
• Record the person's contact information
• Report to #9110 or your nearest police station

9. Prevention Tips + ScamLens

Everyday Prevention Guidelines

1. Never believe "必ず儲かる" (guaranteed profit) investment pitches. Japan's Financial Instruments and Exchange Act explicitly prohibits guaranteed-return advertising — any promise of high returns with zero risk is a scam.

2. Be wary of strangers on LINE and social media. No matter how attractive or successful the other person appears, strangers who initiate contact to discuss investments or romance have an extremely high probability of being scammers.

3. Think three times before making a wire transfer. Bank wire transfers (振込) in Japan are very difficult to reverse once completed — be especially cautious when transferring to personal accounts. Any phone call asking you to operate an ATM is a scam.

4. Verify website authenticity. Check website safety on ScamLens before shopping online. Legitimate Japanese e-commerce sites will display "特定商取引法に基づく表示" (disclosure under the Specified Commercial Transactions Act), including company name, address, phone number, and other information.

5. Install anti-scam software. The National Police Agency recommends anti-fraud apps including 防犯アプリ provided by each prefectural police. Also recommended is installing the ScamLens Chrome Extension, which automatically detects suspicious websites while browsing.

6. Protect personal information. Never send your マイナンバー (individual number), 銀行口座番号 (bank account number), or クレジットカード情報 (credit card information) to anyone via LINE or email.

7. Elderly family members need special protection. If elderly relatives live in Japan, it is recommended to:

   • Set up 通話録音機能 (call recording) or 迷惑電話防止装置 (nuisance call prevention device) on landline phones.
   • Establish a family code word (あいことば) to verify identity when receiving "It's me, it's me" calls.
   • Regularly discuss the latest scam techniques.

ScamLens Use Cases

Scenario	How to Use ScamLens
Received a suspicious shopping website link	Check the domain on ScamLens, view the Trust Score
Recommended an investment platform	Check the platform domain + verify registration on the FSA website
Received a phishing email	Check the link domain in the email
Asked to transfer to a crypto wallet	Check the wallet address on ScamLens
Friend shared a suspicious website	Search ScamLens community for reports on that website

10. Psychological Support

Being scammed causes not only financial loss but also serious psychological trauma. Many victims experience self-blame, shame, anger, and depression. Remember: Being scammed is not your fault — the scammer is the one who is wrong. Seeking psychological support is not a sign of weakness.

Mental Health Helplines

Organization	Phone	Hours	Description
いのちの電話	0570-783-556	Daily 10:00–22:00	General psychological counseling, Japanese
いのちの電話 (Free)	0120-783-556	10th of each month, 8:00–next day 8:00	Monthly 24-hour free hotline
よりそいホットライン	0120-279-338	24 hours / 365 days	Free, supports foreign languages (press 2, then select language)
こころの健康相談統一ダイヤル	0570-064-556	Varies by location	Mental health counseling established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省)
TELL Lifeline (English)	03-5774-0992	Daily 9:00–23:00	English psychological counseling for foreigners in Japan

よりそいホットライン Foreign Language Service

The よりそいホットライン (Yorisoi Hotline) foreign language service is particularly useful for Chinese nationals in Japan:

1. Call 0120-279-338 (free)
2. After hearing the voice prompt, press 2
3. Select your language (Chinese is available)
4. A counselor speaking the selected language will answer

Tips for Psychological Recovery

• Don't suffer alone. Tell a trusted family member or friend about your experience to share the emotional burden.
• Don't blame yourself. Scammers exploit normal human psychology (trust, greed, fear, loneliness) — anyone can become a victim.
• Maintain your daily routine. Try to maintain normal eating, sleeping, and social habits; avoid completely isolating yourself because of the scam.
• Track your emotional changes. If you experience persistent insomnia, loss of appetite, or low mood lasting more than two weeks, seek professional psychological counseling.
• Join victim support groups. Japan has multiple 詐欺被害者の会 (fraud victim support groups), which you can learn about through the National Consumer Affairs Center.

---

Final Words: Being scammed in Japan is not uncommon. Although Japan's anti-fraud system differs from those in other countries, it provides equally comprehensive channels for police reports, complaints, and fund recovery. The key is to act quickly — after discovering you've been scammed, immediately call the police (110) and contact your bank; every minute affects the probability of fund recovery.

Save this guide, and please share it with family and friends in Japan. If you're unsure whether you've encountered a scam, you can check suspicious websites and addresses anytime on ScamLens, or dial #9110 to consult with Japanese police. We hope you never need this manual, but if you do, it can help you make the right decisions at the most critical moments.