Hello! I'm Shemhaza, the Guardian (Sentinel). Did you know that "SNS investment scams" are rapidly increasing on social media platforms close to us, enticing people with sweet words like "guaranteed profits" or "special information just for you" and swindling them out of their precious money? In particular, tactics using ads impersonating celebrities and videos that look exactly like the real thing have become more sophisticated, leading to many victims. Today, I will thoroughly explain these tactics and countermeasures to protect yourself and your loved ones from this unseen danger.
Sophisticated Tactics of "SNS Investment Scams" Impersonating Celebrities
- ▸① **The First Step: Approaching with Sweet Talk**: Through social media ads and messages, they capture your interest using attractive words, photos, and videos, such as "Celebrity XX will teach you" or "The latest investment method with guaranteed profits." Recently, fake videos and audio that perfectly mimic a celebrity's voice and face using AI technology have also been used.
- ▸② **Luring into a Closed Space like LINE**: When you, intrigued, click on a link, you are invited to a "secret group chat" on a messaging app like LINE. There, several "successful investors" (who are actually decoys!) will share their investment success stories to make you feel at ease.
- ▸③ **Fake Investment Schemes and False Profits**: Individuals posing as "teachers" or "assistants" in the group propose investment schemes such as FX or cryptocurrency (money on the internet), and instruct you to download a dedicated fake app or website. If you transfer money as instructed, the app displays "huge profits!" making it appear as if you are truly making money.
- ▸④ **Demanding High Fees and Taxes**: When you try to "withdraw profits," they demand further transfers, stating things like "high fees are required" or "you can't withdraw without paying taxes." Once you transfer money, it's a typical pattern for communication to cease and for the money to never be returned.
Checkpoints to Protect Yourself
- ✓Always be suspicious of offers that sound too good to be true, such as "guaranteed profits" or "high-yield assurance," as they are likely scams.
- ✓If you receive investment solicitations from celebrities or through messages from strangers, always question their authenticity and verify.
- ✓If an investment is recommended, always check on the Financial Services Agency (FSA) website to confirm if the company is properly registered with the national FSA.
- ✓Never transfer money if the account for remittance is in an individual's name or if you are instructed to transfer to a different account each time.
- ✓Do not make decisions alone; consult with family or friends, and if you feel uneasy, contact specialized organizations.
Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
If you feel like you might have been a victim, do not hesitate to seek advice immediately. Early action is the first step to preventing further damage. If it's unauthorized credit card use, contact your card company immediately. For other scams or troubles, please consult the following.
・Consumer Hotline (connects to your nearest consumer affairs center): Phone number "188" (iya-ya)
・Police Consultation Hotline (for when you want to consult with the police): Phone number "#9110" (sharp kyu-ichi-ichi-maru)