Japan authorities warn of rising fraud and phishing scams

Authorities in Japan are issuing warnings regarding various fraudulent schemes targeting residents. In Joetsu City, a man in his 50s was defrauded of approximately 260,000 yen after being tricked by someone impersonating a deputy director of a local medical clinic. The perpetrator used a fake renovation contract as a pretext to request the purchase of antibacterial agents.

In Aomori Prefecture, officials have warned of phishing attempts involving eLTAX and the Local Tax Agency. Fraudulent emails and SMS messages have been reported demanding tax payments or threatening asset seizures. Additionally, users have been cautioned against suspicious websites accessed via QR codes through incompatible apps. Authorities emphasize that eLTAX and the Local Tax Agency do not request tax payments or notify of seizures via email, SMS, or LINE.