Please note that the provided URL appears to be for a page on the Odawara City website. However, the publication date you’ve stated, “2025-08-13 07:13,” is in the future. Therefore, the information below is based on the likely content of an announcement from Odawara City regarding special fraud, assuming it is a proactive public service announcement to raise awareness.
Odawara City Urges Residents to Remain Vigilant Against Special Fraud
Odawara City is issuing a timely reminder to all residents to exercise heightened caution and be aware of the increasing threat posed by special fraud. Recognizing the potential for significant financial and emotional distress, the city is proactively disseminating information to help protect its citizens from these deceptive schemes.
Special fraud, often referred to as “tokushu sagi” in Japanese, encompasses a wide range of fraudulent activities where perpetrators deceive victims, typically over the phone or online, into transferring money or revealing sensitive personal information. Common tactics involve impersonating family members, government officials, police officers, lawyers, or financial institutions, and often play on urgency, fear, or greed.
Common Scenarios to Watch For:
- “It’s Me!” Scams (Orensagi): A scammer contacts a victim, claiming to be a relative (often a grandchild or child) in trouble, such as having caused an accident or needing money for an unexpected emergency. They may insist on secrecy or demand immediate cash transfers.
- Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters pose as officials from government agencies, social security offices, or police departments, claiming the victim owes money, has unpaid fines, or is involved in a legal investigation. They often threaten arrest or other severe consequences if immediate payment is not made via untraceable methods like gift cards or bank transfers to unknown accounts.
- Lottery or Prize Scams: Victims are informed they have won a lottery or prize but must pay a fee, tax, or processing charge before receiving their winnings.
- Investment Scams: Promises of guaranteed high returns on investments, often for cryptocurrency or other emerging markets, are used to lure victims into sending money that is then lost.
- Refund Scams: Scammers may contact individuals claiming they are due a refund from a government agency or company, but require personal banking details or a small upfront payment to process the refund.
Key Precautions for Odawara City Residents:
Odawara City strongly advises residents to adopt the following preventative measures:
- Do Not Trust Unsolicited Calls: Be extremely skeptical of phone calls from unknown numbers, especially if they request personal information or money.
- Verify the Caller’s Identity: If a caller claims to be a family member, friend, or official, hang up and call them back directly using a known and trusted contact number. Never use a number provided by the suspicious caller.
- Never Disclose Personal or Financial Information: Bank account details, passwords, My Number, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data should never be shared over the phone or via unsolicited emails or messages.
- Resist Pressure to Act Immediately: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Take your time, discuss the situation with a trusted family member or friend, and do not be rushed into any decisions.
- Avoid Sending Money to Unknown Accounts: Be wary of requests to transfer money to unfamiliar bank accounts, especially those overseas, or to purchase gift cards or other prepaid payment methods as a form of payment.
- Consult with Trusted Individuals: If you receive a suspicious call or message, it is always best to consult with family, friends, or local authorities before taking any action.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you have been targeted by or have fallen victim to special fraud, please contact the police immediately at #9110 or your local police station. Reporting helps authorities investigate and prevent future incidents.
Odawara City remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its residents. By staying informed and vigilant, we can collectively work to combat the persistent threat of special fraud.
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小田原市 published ‘特殊詐欺にご注意ください’ at 2025-08-13 07:13. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.