The Rise of International Spam Calls
Spam calls from international numbers are increasing year over year, and complaints to the MIC continue to climb. The spread of VoIP technology has slashed the cost of calling Japan from overseas, and auto-dialing systems can blast tens of thousands of international calls per day at minimal expense - making Japan an attractive target for overseas fraud rings. One-ring scams combined with international call fraud are also on the rise. International call blocking device See also How to Spot and Stop Robocalls.
Types of International Spam Calls
International One-Ring Scams
The most common tactic is the international one-ring scam. An unfamiliar country code rings once and hangs up, luring you into calling back a premium-rate number that charges hundreds to thousands of yen per minute. African and Pacific island country codes (+222 Mauritania, +675 Papua New Guinea, +260 Zambia, etc.) are frequently reported.
Automated Voice Scam Calls
An international number rings and plays a recorded message: "Your account has been frozen," "You have unpaid charges," or "There is a problem with your visa." The goal is to extract personal information or money. Messages are often in English or Chinese, though Japanese versions are increasing.
Tactics by Country
- +1 (US/Canada): Robocall scams impersonating the IRS or Social Security Administration. Cases targeting Japanese residents in the US have been reported.
- +44 (UK): Investment fraud and lottery scams requesting "processing fees."
- +86 (China): Embassy scams targeting Chinese nationals in Japan, using Chinese-language robocalls impersonating the Chinese embassy or public security bureau.
- +91 (India): Tech support scams impersonating Microsoft or Apple, requesting remote access or paid support contracts.
- African nations (+222, +232, +252, etc.): One-ring scams connecting to premium-rate numbers.
- Pacific island nations (+675, +676, +677, etc.): Similar one-ring scams exploiting high international call rates from Japan.
How to Block International Spam Calls
iPhone
- Silence Unknown Callers: Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. Sends all non-contact calls - including international ones - to voicemail.
- Block individual numbers: Tap the international number in your call history and select "Block this Caller."
- Focus mode: Set to "Contacts Only" to block all unregistered international numbers.
Android
- Google Phone app spam filter: Settings > Spam > Enable spam filtering. Works for international numbers too.
- Block numbers: Long-press the number in call history and select "Block number."
- Silent mode: Set to "Contacts Only" to block unknown international numbers.
Carrier International Call Blocking
- NTT docomo: Contact docomo Information Center (151) to restrict international call reception.
- au: "International Call Restriction" via My au or au shops.
- SoftBank: "International Call Restriction" via My SoftBank or in-store.
Spam Filter Apps
Spam filter apps with global databases detect and block known international scam numbers in real time.
Never Call Back - Here's Why
Never return a call to an unknown international number. Call blocking app Installing a blocking app to auto-screen unknown international numbers is also effective.
- Massive charges: Premium-rate numbers can cost hundreds to thousands of yen per minute. Automated messages keep you on the line while charges pile up.
- Number harvesting: Calling back confirms your number is active, inviting more spam.
- Direct connection to scammers: The callback number may be a fraud ring's front desk.
If You Have Contacts Abroad
Save their numbers in your phone so their calls come through normally while unknown international numbers are blocked. Encourage overseas contacts to use messaging apps like LINE or WhatsApp instead of international calls.
What to Do If You've Been Targeted
- Contact your carrier: Explain the situation. Fraud-related charges may be reduced or waived.
- Restrict outgoing international calls: Ask your carrier to add this restriction to prevent recurrence.
- File a police report: See Phone Scam Reporting Guide and call #9110.
- Consumer Hotline (188): Get advice from your nearest consumer affairs center.
Understanding International Call Rates
Rates vary dramatically by destination. Calls to the US or Europe cost tens of yen per minute, but calls to Africa or Pacific islands can reach hundreds of yen. Premium-rate numbers are even more expensive. Never call back an unfamiliar international number. See also How to Spot International Call Scams. Phone scam tactics grow more sophisticated every year, so staying informed is essential.