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Scam Prevention

How to Protect Your Grandparents from Phone Scams

About 2 min read

Why Seniors Are Targeted

About 80% of phone fraud victims in Japan are over 65. They use landlines (easily listed numbers), are often home during the day, and may be less familiar with verifying information online.

Immediate Steps

Set a family passphrase for identity verification. Keep the answering machine always on. Install Caller ID (440 yen/month from NTT). Consider an anti-scam phone that warns callers they're being recorded.

What Teens Can Do

Call your grandparents regularly and ask if they've received any strange calls. Teach them common scam phrases. Help set up spam-blocking apps on their smartphones.

If They Received a Suspicious Call

Listen calmly without blaming them. Check if money was sent or personal information shared. Report to police (110 for emergencies, #9110 for consultation).

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Frequently Asked Questions

My grandfather answered a scam call. What should I do?

Stay calm and check if money was sent or personal information shared. Report to police (110) if there's damage. Even without damage, consult #9110. Focus on solutions together rather than blame.

What makes a good family passphrase?

Use personal information only your family knows - pet names, vacation destinations, favorite foods. Choose something not posted on social media. Review the passphrase regularly so everyone remembers it.

How can I protect grandparents who live far away?

Even a weekly phone call asking 'Have you gotten any strange calls?' helps. During visits, help set up voicemail, Caller ID, and lower ATM limits. Consider local community support services and welfare commissioner check-ins.

Related Number Ranges

03(Tokyo)06(Osaka)

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