Hello everyone! I'm Shemhazai, your Sentinel (Guardian). Smartphones make our daily lives so convenient. They're indispensable to our lives now, aren't they? However, lurking behind this convenience are unfortunately people with malicious intentions. Junior high and high school students who are just starting to use smartphones, and seniors who are bewildered by unfamiliar operations, are particularly vulnerable. Today, I'll talk about the increasing methods of online scams and cybercrime, and crucial points for protecting yourself.
Rapidly Increasing Online Scam Tactics
- ▸①**Beware of "Impersonation Scams" (Phishing Scams)!** Scammers impersonate famous companies and organizations that everyone frequently uses, such as delivery services, banks, power companies, and government offices, sending fake emails or short messages (SMS). These messages contain alarming phrases like 'Your account will be suspended' or 'You have unpaid fees,' and include buttons or addresses (URLs) that lead to fake websites (internet pages). If you accidentally click and enter important personal information (private information) such as your name, address, password, or credit card number there, all of it will be stolen.
- ▸②**Don't Panic from "Unsolicited Billing Scams" (Fictitious Billing Scams)!** You might see messages or screens displaying unfamiliar bills, such as 'You're suddenly being charged a high fee even though you didn't use the service!' or 'Registration complete with one click, now pay the fee!' This is a tactic to make you panic, lose your calm judgment, and trick you into paying money.
- ▸③**Beware of Sweet Temptations! The Terrifying Tactics of 'Dark Part-time Jobs'** 'Dark part-time jobs' (yami-baito), which lure people with very appealing phrases like 'easy money,' 'high income,' or 'just transport packages,' have become a social problem. They are often advertised on social media (SNS) and internet forums, so caution is necessary. If you get involved even once, your life could be ruined. **Tactics of Dark Part-time Jobs** * **Luring with High Rewards, Redirecting to Anonymous Apps**: Posing as 'high income in a short time,' applicants are instructed to use highly anonymous chat apps where messages automatically disappear, such as LINE or Telegram. * **Unknowingly Becoming a Criminal**: By simply following instructions, you might unknowingly become a 'uketeko' (receiver of stolen money) or 'dashiko' (cash withdrawal agent from ATMs), or even be involved in serious crimes like robbery. Even if you start with light intentions, you'll quickly find yourself in an inescapable situation. * **The Terror of Being Unable to Escape**: Once you hand over personal information such as photo ID or family contact details, you'll be threatened with phrases like 'We'll harm your family,' 'We'll expose you at school or work,' or 'We'll come to your house,' making it impossible to quit even if you want to. * **What Awaits You is Arrest and Regret**: Excuses like 'I didn't know' or 'I'll be fine' won't work with the police. The police will definitely apprehend everyone involved in dark part-time jobs. If arrested, you face imprisonment (going to jail) and substantial compensation (returning money) to the victims. You risk losing your bright future, cherished family, and friends.
Absolute Checklist to Avoid Being Scammed
- ✓**Always verify** if the sender of the message is genuinely from the correct company or person, by checking official websites or other reliable sources.
- ✓**Do not easily click** on website addresses (URLs) or buttons within messages. If you need to verify something, search for the official website yourself and access it directly.
- ✓**Be suspicious** of stories that sound too good to be true, such as 'easy money' or 'high income for anyone.' Ask yourself, 'Is there a catch?' Especially avoid job offers where the work details are unclear.
- ✓**Do not easily share** personal information (name, address, phone number, password, credit card information, etc.) or photos of identification documents online.
- ✓If you feel 'Is this a scam?' or 'This seems a bit suspicious,' don't worry alone. **Immediately consult** with family, a school teacher, or a trusted adult.
If You Become a Victim
If, unfortunately, you think 'I might have been scammed...', please consult a trusted adult immediately. Then, contact the following consultation services. Prompt action can prevent the damage from escalating. * **Consumer Hotline**: **188** (iya-ya!) For unfamiliar bills or issues concerning products and services, call this number, which connects to the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan and local consumer centers. * **Police Consultation Hotline**: **#9110** (Sharp kyu-ichi-ichi-maru) If you've been caught up in a crime, applied for a 'dark part-time job,' or have other non-urgent but concerning matters, consult the police. If your credit card information has been stolen or used fraudulently, it is crucial to immediately call your card company to stop card usage.