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Beware of bank transfer fraud!(特殊詐欺に注意してください)

Last updated date:2024/3/1

Bank transfer fraud

Bank transfer fraud refers to scams in which fraudsters call victims and trick them into transferring large sums of money from their bank account. Fraudsters use a variety of lies to sound convincing, making claims such as the victim's cash card is being used fraudulently, the victim is entitled to an insurance rebate, a family member is in debt, etc.If you receive a call related to money from someone you do not know, please consult with the police, your ward office or a family member immediately.

Specific examples of bank transfer fraud

Phone scams involving cash cards
A fraudster calls the victim claiming that he or she needs to create a new cash card. Having obtained the victim's card details, the fraudster withdraws money from the victim's bank account.
phone scams involving calls from pretended relatives in distress
A fraudster calls the victim pretending to be a relative in urgent need of money, and tricks him or her into wiring money to the fraudster's account. In some cases, the victim might be tricked into sending cash by post, or the fraudster may visit the person's home to collect the money in person.
Refund scams
A fraudster calls the victim pretending to be a ward office employee and stating that he or she needs to complete certain procedures to receive an insurance refund, and has the victim withdraw money from an ATM, etc.
Billing fraud
The victim is made to pay for something that he or she has not purchased.

Steps you can take to protect yourself from fraud

  • Make sure to activate the answering machine function on your home phone, and to take the call once you have checked the message. Do not take calls from unfamiliar numbers.
  • If you receive a call out of the blue from someone you do not know and the caller asks you to transfer money, then it is most likely a scam. Do not transfer money straight away or hand over money to anyone outside your family.
  • Police officers or ward office employees will never ask you to entrust them with your cash card. Never hand over your cash card to anyone or tell anyone your pin code.
  • Please make sure to talk about fraud with your family and agree upon how you will address each other and over the phone and passwords you will use.
  • Under no circumstances will anyone request you to complete procedures for receiving a refund for City of Yokohama medical fees or insurance premiums via an ATM.
Where to inquire
ContentContact details
About bank transfer fraudCommunity Crime-Prevention Support Division,Community Support Department, Civic Affairs Bureau(*Inquiries in Japanese only)
Tel: 045-671-3705
Fax: 045-664-0734
Email: sh-chiikibohan@city.yokohama.jp

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