Here is a detailed article about the “Nise Denwa Sagi” (Fake Phone Scam) information published by Hitachi City, presented in a polite tone and in English:
Hitachi City Issues Important Information Regarding Fake Phone Scams
Hitachi City is proactively sharing crucial information to protect its residents from the increasing threat of fake phone scams, commonly known as “Nise Denwa Sagi” in Japan. The city recently published an update on its official website, dated August 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM, under the section “Information on Fake Phone Scams” (ニセ電話詐欺情報について), providing valuable insights and guidance to safeguard the community.
The notification serves as a timely reminder of the persistent and evolving nature of these fraudulent schemes, which often target vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly, by impersonating trusted entities such as family members, police officers, or financial institutions. Scammers typically employ urgent and manipulative tactics to elicit sensitive personal information or direct victims to make financial transfers.
Hitachi City’s advisory highlights the importance of recognizing common scam tactics. These often include:
- Requests for immediate payment: Scammers may claim you owe money for unpaid bills, lottery tickets, or fake subscriptions and demand prompt payment via bank transfer or gift cards.
- Impersonation of authority: Calls from individuals claiming to be from the police, tax office, or bank, stating that you are involved in a crime or owe taxes, are frequently a prelude to a scam.
- Urgent pleas from “family members” or “acquaintances”: Scammers may call pretending to be a grandchild or relative in distress, requesting urgent financial assistance due to an accident, debt, or legal trouble.
- “Lottery win” notifications: Individuals may be informed that they have won a lottery or prize but need to pay a processing fee or taxes upfront to receive it.
To combat these fraudulent activities, Hitachi City strongly advises its residents to adopt a cautious approach to unsolicited phone calls, especially those that:
- Request personal or financial information: Never provide your bank account details, credit card numbers, My Number (social security and tax number), or other sensitive data over the phone to someone you do not know or trust.
- Pressure you for immediate action: Legitimate organizations will not pressure you into making instant decisions or payments over the phone.
- Sound suspicious or “too good to be true”: If a deal or offer seems unbelievable, it most likely is.
Hitachi City encourages all residents to:
- Talk to family members or trusted individuals: If you receive a suspicious call, discuss it with a family member, friend, or neighbor before taking any action.
- Verify information independently: If someone claims to be from an organization, hang up and call the organization directly using a publicly listed or known phone number to confirm the matter.
- Utilize call blocking services: Consider using call blocking features on your phone or subscribing to services that can help identify and block scam calls.
- Report suspicious activity: If you believe you have been targeted by a scam or have encountered a suspicious call, please report it to the Hitachi Police Station or the nearest police box.
The commitment of Hitachi City to disseminating this vital information underscores its dedication to fostering a safe and secure environment for all its residents. By staying informed and vigilant, the community can collectively work towards preventing the success of these deceptive schemes.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
日立市 published ‘ニセ電話詐欺情報について’ at 2025-08-20 11:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.