How to Protect Elderly Family Members from Phone Scams in Japan

Japan faces a persistent and growing crisis of special fraud — known as 特殊詐欺 (tokushu-sagi) — that disproportionately targets elderly citizens. With criminal groups now employing AI voice cloning to impersonate family members, the threat has never been more sophisticated. This guide covers the major scam types, the latest prevention tools, and practical steps families can take to protect their loved ones.

The Scale of the Problem

Special fraud in Japan remains alarmingly prevalent. A striking 75.5% of fraud calls originate from international phone numbers, as criminal groups operate from overseas to evade Japanese law enforcement. Victims are overwhelmingly elderly, with women over 65 being the most targeted demographic.

Major Scam Types

Ore-Ore Sagi (Impersonation Scam)

The "ore-ore" scam — literally "it's me, it's me" — begins with a phone call where the caller pretends to be a grandchild or adult child. Modern variants use AI-generated voice clones that sound nearly identical to the real family member.

Common scenarios:

• "I embezzled company money and need to pay it back immediately"
• "I caused a car accident and need settlement money"
• A preparatory call claiming "my phone number has changed"

Kanpu-kin Sagi (Refund Fraud)

Scammers impersonate municipal office or tax agency staff, claiming the victim is owed a medical expense refund or tax return. They guide the victim to an ATM and instruct them through steps that actually transfer money to the scammer's account.

Kaku-Seikyuu (Fictitious Billing)

Victims receive SMS messages or postcards claiming unpaid fees for online services, threatening legal action. When the victim calls the provided number, they're pressured into making payments.

Cash Card Fraud

Criminals posing as police officers or bank employees visit homes, claiming the victim's bank card has been compromised. They obtain the PIN, then swap the real card with a fake one.

Practical Prevention Strategies for Families

1. Install an Anti-Fraud Phone Device

Many Japanese municipalities offer subsidies for 迷惑電話防止機器 (anti-nuisance call devices). These devices:

• Automatically warn callers that the call is being recorded
• Block known scam numbers
• Restrict calls from international numbers

Check your local city hall for available subsidy programs.

2. Use the Police Anti-Scam App

Launched in December 2025, Japan's police scam-prevention app blocks fraudulent phone numbers in real time. Help your elderly family members install and configure it on their smartphones.

3. KDDI International Call Block

KDDI offers a free 6-month international call blocking service (国際電話ブロック). Given that 75.5% of scam calls use international numbers, this is one of the most effective single measures available.

4. Establish a Family Code Word

Agree on a secret code word that family members use to verify identity over the phone. Even if a scammer uses AI to clone a family member's voice, they won't know the code word.

Code word tips:

• Combine a pet's name with a birth year
• Use a shared family memory that only insiders would know
• Change the code word periodically

LOCK.PUB tip: Store your family's code word, emergency contacts, and verification procedures in a LOCK.PUB secret memo. Protected by a password that only family members know, this information stays secure — unlike a note taped to the fridge that a visiting scammer could read.

5. Enable Transaction Alerts

Set up bank account notifications so that any large withdrawal or transfer immediately alerts other family members.

6. Maintain Regular Communication

The single most effective prevention measure is regular contact. Isolated seniors are far more vulnerable to scams.

• Call at least once a week
• Discuss recent scam tactics
• Establish the habit: "If anyone asks for money, consult the family first"

What to Do If Fraud Occurs

1. Contact the police immediately (dial 110)
2. Call the bank — Under the Furikome Fraud Relief Act, the criminal's account can potentially be frozen
3. Contact the Consumer Hotline (dial 188)

Securely Sharing Family Safety Information

Critical family information — emergency contacts, doctor details, bank account numbers — needs to be accessible in emergencies yet protected from unauthorized access.

LOCK.PUB's encrypted memo feature lets you store this information behind a password. Only family members who know the password can access it, and it's available from any device, anywhere in the world.

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Resources:

• Create a secure family memo on LOCK.PUB
• National Police Agency special fraud prevention page
• Consumer Hotline: 188

This article reflects information current as of March 2026. Check the National Police Agency website for the latest scam tactics.