International Calls: A Rising Threat in Fraudulent Schemes, Tokushima Prefecture Warns
Tokushima Prefecture has issued a significant alert regarding the increasing prevalence of fraud involving international phone calls. In a recent publication dated August 14, 2025, at 04:38, the prefecture highlighted a concerning statistic: over 70% of reported scam calls are now leveraging international phone numbers. This alarming trend underscores a shift in fraudulent tactics, with perpetrators increasingly exploiting the global nature of telecommunications to target unsuspecting individuals.
The prefecture’s advisory serves as a crucial reminder for residents to exercise heightened vigilance when receiving calls from unfamiliar or international numbers. While not all international calls are malicious, the substantial proportion identified in fraudulent activities suggests a deliberate strategy by scammers to operate from beyond national borders, potentially making them harder to trace and prosecute.
The methods employed by these international fraudsters can vary widely, but common tactics often include:
- Impersonation: Scammers frequently pose as representatives from well-known organizations, government agencies, or even individuals known to the victim. They may claim to be from banks, tax offices, social security departments, or even law enforcement, creating a sense of urgency and legitimacy.
- Requests for Personal Information: A primary objective of these calls is often to obtain sensitive personal data, such as bank account details, credit card numbers, social security numbers, passwords, or even identity documents.
- Urgent Demands for Payment: Victims may be pressured to make immediate payments through unconventional methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, to resolve fabricated problems or avoid dire consequences.
- Lottery or Prize Scams: Scammers may inform recipients that they have won a lottery or prize, but require an upfront payment for taxes, processing fees, or shipping before the winnings can be claimed.
- Technical Support Scams: In these scenarios, callers may claim to be from reputable tech companies and state that the recipient’s computer is infected with a virus, demanding payment for remote access or software to fix the supposed issue.
The prefecture’s warning emphasizes that recognizing these patterns is the first line of defense. Residents are strongly advised to:
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls: If you receive a call from an unknown international number, especially one that seems out of context, approach it with caution.
- Never Share Personal Information: Legitimate organizations will rarely, if ever, ask for sensitive personal or financial information over the phone, especially in response to an unsolicited call.
- Do Not Make Unsolicited Payments: Be wary of any demand for immediate payment, particularly through methods that are difficult to trace.
- Verify the Caller’s Identity Independently: If a caller claims to be from a specific organization, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number found on their official website or through a trusted directory. Do not use any contact information provided by the caller.
- Be Cautious of Urgent or Threatening Language: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics and threats to overwhelm their victims.
- Report Suspicious Calls: Tokushima Prefecture encourages residents to report any suspected fraudulent calls to the relevant authorities. This helps build a clearer picture of scam activities and aids in prevention efforts.
By raising awareness about the escalating use of international phone numbers in fraudulent activities, Tokushima Prefecture aims to empower its citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect themselves from becoming victims of these evolving scams. Staying informed and practicing safe communication habits are paramount in combating this growing threat.
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徳島県 published ‘詐欺電話の7割以上が国際電話を悪用しています！’ at 2025-08-14 04:38. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.