Number overview
0120-996-963 is a number with many reports nationwide of fake calls impersonating power companies. The one-ring technique (ringing once and hanging up) to lure callbacks has also been observed.
Reported tactics
- The caller claims to be a regional power company such as TEPCO or Kansai Electric Power
- The caller pitches an electricity-rate review or a switch to a new plan
- One-ring calls are used to leave a missed call and lure a callback
- The caller sometimes claims to be a power company that doesn't serve the recipient's area (e.g., calling someone in Aomori while claiming to be TEPCO)
Free Dial numbers (0120) are billed to the called party, so legitimate power companies may use them for sales - but this specific number is not a legitimate power-company number.
How to handle this call
Don't call back
Don't call back missed one-ring calls. If the matter is legitimate, the caller will ring again.
How to spot fake power-company calls
Legitimate power companies already know your account number and supply-point identification number. Any call that solicits without first verifying those details is fake.
Where to report or get help
- Consumer Hotline: 188
- Your regional power company's official customer line