If a caller claiming to be family says their number has changed and they need money today
A scene based on a published type It is midday on a weekday. A call comes in from a mobile number you do not know. What will you do?
The type this scene is based on "Ore-ore" (it's me) fraud, as classified by Japan's National Police Agency
What came up in this call
- Saying up front that their voice or their number has changed.
- Rushing you: money is needed today.
- Saying someone else will come to collect instead of them.
What public agencies write (original Japanese, with a translation by AI)
- 「電話でお金の話が出たら、一旦電話を切り、すぐに家族などに相談しましょう！」
If money comes up on a call, hang up for now and talk to your family or others right away.
National Police Agency (Japan) - 「家族にかけ直して本物かを確認」
Call your family member back to confirm it is really them.
National Police Agency (Japan) - 「暗証番号はあなただけのもの。人に教えない。」
Your PIN is yours alone. Do not tell it to anyone.
National Police Agency (Japan)
This page does not judge whether a real call is a scam. The scene is fiction written by AI, based on a type that public agencies have published. This page was not made, checked or approved by the National Police Agency or any other public agency.
Related items from "Checks before you answer"
If money comes up on a call, hang up for now and talk to your family or others.
「電話でお金の話が出たら、一旦電話を切り、すぐに家族などに相談しましょう！」 National Police Agency (Japan)
Call back to check, using a number you look up yourself or one you already know, not a number the caller gives you.
「最寄りの警察署にかけ直して本物かを確認」 National Police Agency (Japan)
「家族にかけ直して本物かを確認」 National Police Agency (Japan)
Do not tell your PIN to anyone.
「暗証番号はあなただけのもの。人に教えない。」 National Police Agency (Japan)
Public consultation lines in Japan, for when you are unsure or in trouble.
「警察相談専用電話「＃9110」番」 Government Public Relations Online (Cabinet Office, Japan)
「「消費者ホットライン」188」 Consumer Affairs Agency (Japan)
In an emergency in Japan, call 110. You cannot report or consult through this page.
The caller's first line (fiction; one line only)
Caller（Unknown mobile number）: Hello, it's me. I've caught a cold, so my voice sounds strange. My phone broke, so I have a new number.
Examples of the AI's replies
The AI's reply (a line written in advance)
- This is an automated AI assistant answering on behalf of the person you called. Please tell me your name and the reason for your call.
- I do not answer anything about money, accounts or PINs on this line. I will pass what you said on to the person.
- The person will check by contacting a number they look up themselves. I am ending this call now. Goodbye.
The "AI" on this page only shows lines that were written in advance. It is not an AI thinking and answering each time you press a button. Nor does it show that an AI would reply this way on a real call.
Sources (in Japanese)
See this scene with voices All scenes Checks before you answer