Tokushu Sagi: Japan's Family Guide to Defeating Phone Scams Targeting the Elderly

"Hello? It's me..." — in Japan, these three words can mean the start of a devastating scam.

Tokushu sagi (特殊詐欺), or "special fraud," is Japan's umbrella term for phone-based and mail-based scams that primarily target elderly victims. Despite decades of awareness campaigns, these scams continue to drain billions of yen from families every year.

What makes tokushu sagi particularly dangerous today is its evolution into hybrid, multi-channel attacks. 75.5% of fraudulent calls now originate from international numbers, as criminal organizations operate from overseas bases. The scams combine phone calls, SMS messages, and even in-person visits.

This guide covers the scam types, Japan's countermeasures, and a practical family protection plan that anyone can implement.

The Five Types of Tokushu Sagi

Type	How It Works
Ore Ore Sagi (オレオレ詐欺)	"It's me" scam — caller impersonates a family member claiming an emergency (accident, debt, workplace mistake)
Refund Scam (還付金詐欺)	Impersonates government officials claiming tax refunds, guides victim to ATM to "receive" money (actually sends it)
Fictitious Billing (架空請求)	Sends postcards or SMS claiming unpaid fees for services never used
Cash Card Theft (キャッシュカード詐欺盗)	Impersonates bank staff or police, physically collects the victim's bank card
Deposit Fraud (預貯金詐欺)	Impersonates bank officials claiming the account is compromised, convinces victim to withdraw and hand over cash

Modern Trends

• Hybrid attacks: Phone call followed by SMS followed by in-person visit
• International numbers: 75.5% of scam calls come from numbers starting with "+"
• Organized roles: Director (指示役), money collector (受け子), withdrawal agent (出し子)
• SNS integration: Scammers build trust on LINE or Instagram before initiating the fraud

Building a Family Anti-Fraud Plan

Step 1: Create a Family Code Word (合言葉)

A family code word is one of the most effective defenses against impersonation scams.

• When someone calls claiming to be a family member, ask for the code word
• If they can't answer correctly, hang up immediately
• Change the code word regularly

Good code word examples:

• "What's our pet's name?" — but the answer is NOT the real pet's name
• "Where did we last eat together?" — the answer is a pre-agreed fake
• A completely random phrase (e.g., "three watermelons")

Critical rule: Never share the code word over iMessage, Messenger, or email. If those accounts get compromised, the code word is useless.

For secure storage, consider using LOCK.PUB's encrypted memo. Save the code word in a password-protected note that only family members can access.

Step 2: Block Nuisance Calls

Home Phone

• Install a call-blocking phone (Panasonic, Sharp, and others make dedicated models)
• Subscribe to caller ID service and block unknown/international numbers
• Check for municipal subsidies — many Japanese cities subsidize anti-scam phone devices
• Use NTT's nuisance call rejection service

Smartphone

• Enable your carrier's spam call filter
• Install caller ID apps like Whoscall
• Build the habit of not answering unknown numbers

Step 3: Set ATM Withdrawal Limits

• Limit daily withdrawals to 100,000-200,000 yen
• Require in-person branch visits for large transfers
• Check bank statements regularly for suspicious transactions

Step 4: Hold Regular Family Meetings

A 10-minute monthly conversation is enough.

Agenda:

• Recent scam methods in the news
• Any suspicious calls or messages received
• Review and update the code word
• Confirm emergency contact numbers

Step 5: Create an Emergency Contact List

Contact	Number
Police consultation	#9110
Consumer hotline	188
Family members' mobile numbers	(fill in)
Nearest police station	(fill in)
Bank's fraud hotline	(fill in)

Post this on the refrigerator, or store it securely in a LOCK.PUB encrypted memo to share with family members.

Japan's SOS47 Campaign

The National Police Agency runs the SOS47 campaign, providing prefecture-by-prefecture fraud alerts, a database of current scam tactics, and victim consultation resources.

Municipal Subsidy Programs

Many Japanese municipalities offer subsidies for anti-scam devices:

• Tokyo's 23 wards — subsidies of 5,000-10,000 yen for call-blocking phones
• Osaka — free lending of automatic call recording devices
• Yokohama — purchase subsidies for anti-nuisance phone devices

Check with your local government office for available programs.

How to Talk to Elderly Parents About Scams

1. Lead with empathy — "Being scammed is not your fault"
2. Use specific examples — concrete cases work better than abstract warnings
3. Set up protections together — configure call blocking for them
4. Never blame — "How could you fall for that?" destroys trust
5. Stay in regular contact — families that communicate frequently are less likely to be victimized

Beyond Phone Calls: New Digital Scam Channels

• SMS phishing: Fake delivery notifications
• LINE hijacking: Compromised accounts asking friends to buy prepaid cards
• SNS investment scams: Fake celebrity endorsement ads
• Romance scams: Building relationships on dating apps, then pushing fake investments

Summary: Family Connection Is the Best Defense

The heart of anti-fraud protection is family communication.

1. Set a code word — a secret phrase only your family knows
2. Block scam calls — use devices and services for physical blocking
3. Limit ATM withdrawals — minimize potential damage
4. Talk regularly — share awareness of new scam methods
5. Share emergency contacts — ensure everyone can reach help quickly

Store your family code word and emergency contacts in a LOCK.PUB encrypted memo. Only those who know the password can access it — keeping your family's safety information secure.

---

Want to keep your family's code word and emergency contacts safe? Try LOCK.PUB's password-protected encrypted memo — share the password only with your family.