Don't Get Scammed in Japan!

There are a couple different bar scams. Some might involve tricking you into a bar for an inexpensive cost, then gradually racking up your bill until by the end of the night you’re thousands of dollars in debt to the bar. This happens often in Tokyo’s Kabukichou. 

Another, more dangerous scam involves people spiking foreigners’ drinks in order to steal their wallets, passports, or extort them for money when they wake, claiming they owe the bar a ridiculous amount. There have also been reports of sexual assault, Don’t let your guard down just because you’re in Japan.

The danger here is that most of us wouldn't think twice about handing over our residence card to someone in uniform, but there are some cases where you should be wary. This 2014 Japan Times article details the rare scam of people impersonating police officers and targeting foreigners, due to required ID laws that differ between foreigners and native Japanese people. If a police officer approaches you and looks suspicious (some impersonators will walk around in normal clothes), ask to see their badge, or go to your nearest kouban. The article also has a few handy phrases to try and sniff out imposters.

Getting dragged into a cult activity in Japan sounds like a bad joke, but it’s a very serious and real possibility. It's actually not uncommon for seemingly friendly people to approach you on the street or in a Tullys and just strike up a pleasant conversation. They may compliment your backpack or ask you about the store you just came out of, anything to get you talking. 

Often they will approach you in English so as a foreigner you may feel, "oh thats nice, foreigners in Japan are being friendly with other foreigners, " or, " it's nice to speak in English with a Japanese person." They might even express interest in engaging in a language exchange with you. Especially since so many foreigners in Japan are English teachers or already do have language exchange partners, it may not seem unusual for someone want to do a language exchange. 

But be cautious because sometimes the extreme openness is too good to be true. They might ask you one prying question to make you pause and then of course, offer you the solution - Religion. Other times they might even get you to exchange contact information and set up another meeting armed with information pamphlets all with the motivation to recruit you into their cult. 

It starts simply, "just come to one meeting, the people are really nice and no commitment required — let us share with you our philosophies, that have helped so many better their lives." But it's a slippery slope from there. Cults are a problem in Japan. They might try to entice people in with the idea of volunteer work and make an attempt to brainwash or kidnap people who visit their meetings. Be very wary about where you go, and who you go with. 

Jehovah’s witnesses or other Christian groups aren’t too uncommon. They can get pretty aggressive in their recruiting as well, knocking relentlessly, or bodily attempting to enter your apartment. If someone you don’t know knocks on the door and you don’t know them, or feel uncomfortable, not answering is usually the best solution.

This can affect people who are temporarily working in Japan. Some companies might try to get away with not paying your last paycheck, because once you return back to your home country there’s not much you can do about it. Make sure to review your contract thoroughly and do your research about the company you’re getting involved with.

No one ever thinks they could be the victim of a scam, but it’s not impossible. Stay vigilant and if something seems suspicious, follow your instincts and ask questions, rather than just going along with it. Don’t let your visit to Japan be tainted with a scam!