Calls from unknown numbers: what public agencies in Japan write, and how to check, scene by scene

There are six scenes. Four are fiction based on types published by Japan's National Police Agency, and two are fiction written as harmless calls. Some scenes were written as harmless calls. Not every call from an unknown number is a scam.

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.

• If a caller claiming to be family says their number has changed and they need money today
  A scene based on a published type・"Ore-ore" (it's me) fraud, as classified by Japan's National Police Agency
• If a call claiming to be the police comes from an unknown number starting with "+"
  A scene based on a published type・Fake-police fraud, as named by Japan's National Police Agency
• If a caller says you will get medical fees back and tells you to go to an ATM
  A scene based on a published type・Refund fraud, as classified by Japan's National Police Agency
• If a recorded voice says your phone will stop working in two hours
  A scene based on a published type・Calls using a recorded voice (a type described on the National Police Agency's fake-police fraud page)
• If a call from an unknown number says it is about redelivering a parcel
  A scene written as a harmless call
• If a call from a number you have not saved says it is confirming a dental appointment
  A scene written as a harmless call

Checks before you answer Go to the call scenes