Take a breath. If you only opened the link, in most cases nothing has happened yet. Let us check together what you did and did not do afterwards.
Do this now, from the top
- 1
Close the page without touching anything
Do not type anything, do not tap anything — just close it. Getting infected purely by opening a page is rare on an up-to-date phone. Panicking and following the instructions on screen is the far bigger risk.
- 2
Think about whether you entered anything
If you typed in an ID, password or card number, stop here and go to the guide "I entered my details on a fake site" instead. If you entered nothing, continue.
- 3
Check whether anything was downloaded or installed
On Android, if you were asked to allow an app from an unknown source — and especially if you agreed — go to Settings, then Apps, and remove anything you do not recognise. On iPhone, apps essentially cannot arrive from outside the App Store.
- 4
Any "you are infected" warning is fake
If a warning screen or a phone number appears after you open the link, that screen is itself the scam. Do not call the number, do not install what it offers, just close it.
- 5
Report and block the sender
Your mobile carrier has a reporting function and your phone can block the sender. Telling your family "I got this message and it was a scam" raises everyone's guard at once.
⚠ And what not to do
- ✕Do not follow the on-screen warning by installing an app or calling a number
- ✕Do not blame yourself for opening it — these are convincing, and anyone can
- ✕Do not reply or tap an "unsubscribe" link; that confirms your address is live
Who you can call
No area code needed. Connects you to your nearest consumer affairs centre in Japan.
For non-emergency matters. They can also tell you whether it is a criminal case. Call 110 if it is an emergency.
Technical questions about malware infections and unauthorised access.
The phone numbers on this page are services within Japan. If you are elsewhere, contact your national consumer protection agency, your bank or card issuer directly, and your local police non-emergency line — the steps above still apply.
💬 Worth talking about at home today
Something to say at home: "If you get a delivery notice by text, show me before you tap it. We will check together whether it is real."