Japan Scams: Ore Ore, Investment & Online Fraud Guide
Common scams in Japan and how to report to the National Police Agency, NPA @police, and your bank.
Emergency number: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Japan faces distinctive fraud patterns including the 'Ore Ore' (it's me, it's me) family impersonation phone scam targeting elderly people, as well as investment fraud, fake online shops, and romance-linked financial requests. The National Police Agency operates @police (npa.go.jp/cyberpolice) for cybercrime guidance and reporting, while the National Consumer Affairs Centre (NCAC) at kokusen.go.jp provides consumer fraud advice and mediation. For urgent consumer issues, dial 188 to be connected to a local consumer centre. Reporting cybercrime to the prefectural police cybercrime consultation desk is the standard route for criminal matters.
Common scams
- 'Ore Ore' (it's me) family impersonation phone scam targeting the elderly
- Investment and fake financial product fraud
- Fake online shops and non-delivery
- Romance and 'Sakura' (fake profile) scams on dating platforms
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging at tourist-facing bars or clubs (especially in entertainment districts)
- Fake souvenir or counterfeit goods
Online shopping scams
- Fake online retail sites
- Phishing impersonating major Japanese banks or Japan Post
- Fake delivery fee SMS
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake part-time job listings requiring upfront payments
Romance scams
- Dating platform and social media romance with escalating financial requests
Investment scams
- Fake investment products and unlicensed brokers
- Crypto and 'AI bot' trading schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately if money was transferred
- Report cybercrime to your prefectural police cybercrime consultation desk
- Check and report via the NPA @police portal at npa.go.jp/cyberpolice
- For consumer disputes, contact the NCAC consumer hotline by dialling 188
Local reporting & protection links
- Cybercrime reporting
- Consumer protection
- Police
- NCAC consumer hotline — Dial 188 within Japan to reach a local consumer centre
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the number on your card or passbook. Japanese banks can attempt to freeze fraudulent transfers most effectively in the first few hours. No legitimate financial institution or government agency will ask you to move money to a 'safe account'.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ore Ore scam?
It is a phone scam in which a caller impersonates a family member — typically a son or grandson — and claims to be in urgent trouble, needing money immediately. It disproportionately targets elderly people. Always verify by calling the family member back on a known number.
How do I report cybercrime in Japan?
Contact the cybercrime consultation desk at your local prefectural police headquarters, or use the NPA @police portal at npa.go.jp/cyberpolice/english. For consumer fraud, call 188 to reach the National Consumer Affairs Centre.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance