Scam Pattern Book — Four Signs and the Methods Publicized in Japan

When to use　When you are approached about money by phone, in person, on social media, or through ads.

The names of the methods change every year. The patterns do not. The U.S. consumer agency, the FTC, summarizes the signs of a scam into four points: They pretend to be a known organization. They say there is a problem or a prize. They pressure you to act immediately. They specify a particular payment method. If two or more of these overlap, it fits the pattern.

Placing the methods publicized in Japan into the patterns.

Applying the four signs to the methods listed by the National Police Agency results in the following: Fake police scam = pretending to be an organization + a problem. "Ore ore" scam = pretending to be an organization or family + a problem (settlement money) + pressure. Savings deposit scam / Cash card fraud theft = pretending to be an organization + a problem (account misuse) + payment method (handing over a card). Fictitious billing fraud = a problem (unpaid bill) + pressure + payment method. Refund scam = a prize (refund) + payment method (ATM operation). Social media investment scam = a prize (yield) + intimacy + payment method. Social media romance scam = intimacy + a problem or prize + payment method.

There is one way to use the pattern book. Before examining the content of the conversation, count the signs. The moment two overlap, proceed to the three steps: disconnect, verify, and discuss.

Procedure

1. Pretending to be an organizationGovernment office, police, bank, famous company, family. Names and caller IDs can be faked.
2. A problem or a prizeAccount misuse, settlement money, unpaid bill / Winning a prize, a refund, high returns.
3. Time pressureBy the end of today, only now, don't hang up, don't tell anyone.
4. A specific payment methodCrypto assets, money transfer services, gift cards, ATM operations, handing over a card.

In other countries

In the U.S., the FTC publicizes the same four signs. The pattern is the same across countries; only the names of the methods differ.

Source (Archive)

• How To Avoid a ScamFederal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Advice
• List of methods and countermeasures you can take starting today (SOS47 Special Fraud Countermeasures Page).National Police Agency.

Related Subjects and Practical Skills

P1　Three steps when solicited — Hang up, Verify, Talk.