With the internet being such an integral part of our lives these days, scammers have evolved too. Let’s learn about some of the more common types of scams in Japan today, from tourist traps, work scams, and romance swindlers to those who prey on the kindness of the elderly. Let’s see what kind of 詐欺 (sagi) we need to look out for. 

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Frankie - @franklinthewoman

Cheyenne - @lostwithlow

Words mentioned/useful words

詐欺 sagi - scam/fraud

詐欺師 sagi-shi - scammer, con artist

ロマンス詐欺 romance sagi - romance scam 

オレオレ詐欺 ore ore sagi - “It's Me, It's Me” scam

俺 ore - me (masculine form, but it’s kinda rough)

二次会 nijikai - second party (usually drinking)

インスタ映え insta bae - instagrammable 

わざわざ waza waza - for a special/specific purpose

関係者 kankeisha - authorized personnel, people concerned 

References:

Confidence Man JP trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgeDUPimNYk&t=1s

NPA (national police agency) website warning about “SNS romance sagi”:

https://www.npa.go.jp/bureau/safetylife/sos47/new-topics/sns-romance/romance/

MOFA notice on romance sagi:

https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2025C015.html

Ore ore sagi: https://medium.com/japan-in-mind/underlying-cultural-issues-behind-japans-biggest-scam-675887ec0f18

Over 100 hotels in Japan fall victim to booking.com phishing scam:

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/424ff5e523cb-over-100-hotels-in-japan-fall-victim-to-bookingcom-phishing-scams.html

Scammer alert: nude photo scam 

https://www.reddit.com/r/japanresidents/s/gIE3YzVfJc

Time stamps

00:00 hello/life updates

3:32 scammy texts

9:15 yami baito

11:15 romance sagi

17:57 ore ore sagi

21:53 bars with stealth pricing

23:20 monks

24:48 tourist traps - Mario kart, robot restaurant, etc

34:32 booking,com phishing scam

35:35 shower photo blackmail (reddit)