Hello! I'm Shemihaza, the Sentinel. Smartphones are incredibly convenient and fun tools, aren't they? However, unfortunately, lurking in the shadows of that convenience are malicious individuals targeting us. Especially junior high and high school students who have just started using smartphones, and seniors who are unfamiliar with digital devices, often unwittingly get caught up in trouble. Today, to protect you all from such dangers, let's look together at the latest online scam and cybercrime methods, and how to counter them.
Online Scam Methods Currently on the Rise
Recently, many warnings have been issued by the National Consumer Affairs Center and the National Police Agency. In particular, vigilance is required for the following three methods:
- ▸①**Impersonation Scams (Phishing/Smishing)**: You receive messages impersonating delivery services, banks, tax offices, pension offices, power companies, etc., inciting anxiety with phrases like 'outstanding payment' or 'update your information,' and directing you to fake websites. There, they trick you into entering IDs, passwords, credit card information, and other data. Recently, SMS messages and emails pretending to be about unpaid taxes have surged, with reported cases of people paying money or entering personal information. Furthermore, 'voice phishing,' where AI is used to make calls with incredibly realistic voices, is also becoming more sophisticated.
- ▸②**Illegal Side Jobs Originating from Social Media (Dangerous Money-Making Schemes)**: These are part-time jobs advertised on social media with enticing phrases like 'high pay' or 'easy work.' In many cases, they are used as 'receivers' (individuals who collect cash from victims) or 'withdrawers' (individuals who withdraw money from ATMs) in special fraud cases, or even as perpetrators of crimes such as robbery and theft. There are also cases where applicants are made to send identification and bank account information, making it impossible for them to back out.
- ▸③**High-Cost In-Game Purchases in Online Games (Money Disappearing Without You Noticing)**: This is a common problem, especially among junior high and high school students, where high-cost in-game purchases for items are made on smartphones or game consoles without parents' knowledge. This occurs due to incorrect settings or children knowing and using their parents' credit card information.
Essential Checkpoints to Avoid Being Scammed
What's important is to feel even a slight sense of 'something's off.' Keep these points in mind!
- ✓Always verify the sender of messages or emails you receive. Even if it claims to be a bank or delivery service, look closely – isn't the address different from usual, or is the Japanese strange? Check through their official app or website to confirm if the message is genuine.
- ✓Do not casually tap on links (URLs) within messages. If you're unsure, search for the official website yourself, log in from there, and check the information. Public institutions and companies rarely ask for personal or credit card information via SMS or email.
- ✓Absolutely do not believe stories like 'you can easily earn a lot of money' or 'secret part-time jobs.' There is a very high risk of being involved in a crime. Always consult with family, school teachers, or trusted adults.
- ✓Do not easily give out or enter personal information (such as IDs, passwords, bank accounts, credit card numbers). In particular, reusing passwords you use regularly is dangerous.
- ✓Review your smartphone and app security settings and keep them up-to-date. Also, make use of features that automatically block suspicious messages and filtering services.
If You Become a Victim
If you feel you've been caught up in one of these scams or crimes, don't keep it to yourself; seek advice immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to resolve. Even if you've been lured into an illegal side job and feel you can't refuse, never struggle alone. Asking for help to protect your future is nothing to be ashamed of. The police will help you as a 'victim,' not as a 'criminal.' Talk to your family or a trusted adult as well.
If you call the Consumer Hotline (toll-free number **188**), you'll be connected to your local consumer affairs center. Alternatively, consult the Police Consultation Dial (**#9110**). If unauthorized credit card use is confirmed, contact your card company immediately to initiate the suspension process.