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Japan
13 scams
Japan is where old meets new. Here, well preserved traditional structures and ancient practices stand tall amidst the many high tech and modern cities.
The country is also a very safe place to visit, though there are some tourist targeted scams (e.g. in bars; donations) to watch out for.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 110
- Fire, ambulance: 119
- English helpline in Tokyo: 03-3501-0110 (Monday to Friday, 08.30 – 17.15)
Disaster relief scam in Japan
5 0How it works: Well-dressed, English speaking middle aged individuals/Filipinas will approach and show you documentation about a recent disaster. They’ll be very polite and well-educated on the impact of the…
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Thai orphans scam in Japan
5 0How it works: A stranger approaches and shares with you a range of information about Thai orphans and the struggles they have. Next, you will be asked to make a…
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Roppongi/Shinjuku bar scams in Japan
5 0How it works: Version 1: an attractive girl flirts with you and gets you to buy expensive lady drinks that are diluted for her. Drinks (e.g. Moet) you did not…
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Magic dancing doll scam in Japan
4 0How it works: Opening: on the streets, you see a man who claims to use “magic” to control a paper doll. He will make the doll move without touching it…
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Fake monks in Japan
2 0How it works: Version 1: A man dressed in robes claiming to be from Bhutan tells you how he is travelling and wants you to pray with him for world…
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Sexual harassment on train in Japan
2 0How it works: There is a risk of groping due to the insanely crowded and packed trains (some at 160% capacity!). In fact, it was estimated that ~70% of high…
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Pickpockets in Japan
1 0How it works: Although Japan is really safe and street crime is rare, there are still occasional cases of pickpocketing – usually perpetrated by foreign gangs. There have also been…
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Kinkaku-ji Temple vendor scam in Japan
1 0How it works: Around the area, one trick used by vendors is to return a smaller amount of change and then claim that you paid with a smaller note. Places…
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Fake police in Japan
1 0How it works: Situation: this scam got so out of hand that in 2014, it was covered in the Japan Times. Set-up: fake officers will approach and ask to see…
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Prostitution scam in Japan
1 0How it works: Step 1: a tout asks if you’d like to meet a girl. You are then shown images of girls and asked to pay a fee. You are…
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