Beware of Fake Police Officer Scams!

What is Fake Police Officer Fraud?

Fake police officer fraud is a type of scam where criminals impersonate police officers, demanding money under false pretenses or illegally obtaining personal information.
Not only older adults but also younger and middle-aged people are targeted. The scammers wear uniforms that look just like real police officers and use video calls on smartphones to show fake police badges and arrest warrants, instilling fear by saying things like "You will be arrested if you do not cooperate with the investigation."
Then, using reasons such as "Your account is being used for a crime" and "Your mobile phone has been fraudulently contracted", they deceive you into handing over cash, claiming it is for investigating the account or protecting your assets.

Methods of Fraud

"This is the XX Police Station. Your bank account is being used for criminal activities."
"I will show you my police badge, so let's have a video call."
"From now on, let's communicate via SNS."
"To avoid arrest, it is necessary to investigate your account."
"Please transfer the funds from your account."
"Please transfer the money via internet banking."
"There is an unpaid mobile phone bill. If this does not apply to you, please press 9."

There are also cases where, after claiming to be from a phone company or the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and saying "there is an unpaid mobile phone bill," the caller switches to posing as a police officer or moves the communication to SNS or video calls.

Using such deceptive phrases, criminals try to swindle money.

Police officers will never demand money or instruct you to make a transfer.
The police do not contact people via social media.
The police do not send images of police badges or arrest warrants.
If someone claiming to be a police officer demands money via phone or SNS, please consult your nearest police station or call #9110.

Fake police officers demand that you keep a video call connected for a long time to prevent consultation or identity verification, causing mental stress by restraining you and pushing you into a state where you cannot make sound judgments. They may also claim that you are violating a non-existent law called the Confidentiality Act.

Police officers will never demand that you keep a video call connected at all times or arrest you for violating a confidentiality law.
If you receive such demands or notifications, hang up immediately and consult the police.

Phone numbers used in fake police officer scams

Many phone numbers used in special fraud crimes, including fake police officer scams, are international calls starting with "+1" or "+44".

If you do not need to receive international calls, you can block incoming calls from international numbers. By blocking calls from international numbers on both smartphones and landlines, you can reduce the chances of receiving calls from fake police officers.

Metropolitan Police Department Crime Prevention App "DigiPolice" International Phone Number Blocking System

From December 1, 2025, the Metropolitan Police Department Crime Prevention App "DigiPolice" has added an international phone number blocking system.
This allows you to block incoming call notifications from international phone numbers on your smartphone and block scam calls.
(Note) There are differences in the blocking features between the iOS and Android versions due to OS specifications.

For settings and features, please check the app notifications or the link below for the "International Call Block System Feature Introduction."

• [Metropolitan Police Department Crime Prevention App DigiPolice] International Call Block System Feature Introduction(External Link)

• Download iOS App(External Link)
• Download Android App(External Link)

International Call Suspension Center

By calling the International Call Suspension Center, you can suspend international call sending and receiving free of charge for landline and Hikari phone services.

International Call Suspension Reception Center
Phone Number: 0120-210-364
Operator Assistance: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Automated Voice Guidance: 24 hours on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays