11/09/2023
If you find yourself a victim of a scam in Japan, you might consider the following steps:
Report to Police: The first thing to do is to report to the authorities. In Japan, you can either visit the closest police box ("kōban") or the main police station ("keisatsusho") to file a report.
Translator: If you don't speak Japanese, it's very helpful to bring someone along who can translate for you, or ask for an interpreter. The language barrier can be a significant issue.
Documentation: Make sure you bring all relevant documentation, such as ID, proof of transactions, conversations, emails, etc., that could help the authorities understand your situation.
Contact Bank or Financial Institution: If the scam involves financial transactions, report to your bank as soon as possible so that they can take necessary actions.
Contact Your Embassy or Consulate: They can offer advice and guidance on how to handle the situation and what your options are.
Legal Advice: Consider consulting with a lawyer who has experience in scam cases. This is particularly useful if the scam is complex or involves a significant amount of money.
Emotional Support: Speaking with friends, family, or professionals about what you’ve experienced can be helpful for emotional well-being.
Keep Updated Records: Keep a detailed record of all the steps you’ve taken, people you've talked to, and information you've gathered. This will be useful if you decide to take legal action.
Future Prevention: Educate yourself on how you can protect against future scams. Education is key to not becoming a victim again.
If you've been scammed online, you can also report it to organizations that deal with cybercrime in Japan.
Remember, each situation is unique, and you might need to adapt these steps based on your circumstances.
