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. 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
| Country code | Main tactic | Typical script | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| +1 US and Canada | Robocall scams impersonating the IRS or the Social Security Administration, with cases targeting Japanese residents in the US | "You have unpaid taxes," "There is a problem with your Social Security number" | Never respond to the recording; hang up and block the number |
| +44 UK | Investment fraud and lottery scams | "You have won a large prize," "We have a special investment opportunity" | Do not pay anything requested as a processing fee or tax |
| +86 China | Embassy scams targeting Chinese nationals in Japan, impersonating the Chinese embassy or public security bureau, mostly as Chinese-language recordings | "You are involved in a crime," "There is a problem with your passport" | Hang up without paying, however threatening the call is; consult the Consumer Hotline at 188 if you are worried |
| +91 India | Tech support scams impersonating Microsoft or Apple | "Your computer is infected with a virus" | Never grant remote access and never sign up for paid support |
| African nations such as +222, +232, +252 | One-ring scams that run up huge call charges | The phone rings once and only a missed call remains | Do not call back; the return call connects to a premium-rate number charging hundreds to thousands of yen per minute |
| Pacific island nations such as +675, +676, +677 | The same one-ring scams as in African nations, aimed at regions where calls from Japan are expensive | Also leaves nothing but a missed call | Do not call back, and consider your carrier's international call blocking service |
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. 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.