The fraudster impersonates a close relative or a person of a high social standing, such as a police officer or a lawyer, and tricks the unsuspecting victim into sending money with skillful acting. In fact, many of the victims were aware of furikome scams at the time, but were still taken in.
- If the caller claims to be a family member, husband or son for example, ask made-up questions or questions only the real person knows the answer to.
Tell the caller, "I will record this call, because this is important." If the call is a scam, the caller will most likely hang up.
- Ask the caller as many questions as you can think of. It is likely that the caller will contradict himself as he tries to make up answers to your questions.
- "I was upset by the words 'traffic accident!'"
One day at about half past 2 pm, Mrs. A received a call from someone who claimed to be a policeman.
Policeman (bogus): "Mrs. A? This is the police. Your husband has just caused a car accident."
The bogus policeman told Mrs. A that the accident victim wished to have an out-of-court settlement. Mrs. A received a call from a man who claimed to be the victim's brother and, what is more, from "her husband," who said, "I am sorry." The bogus policeman repeatedly nudged Mrs. A, saying, "We are holding up processing the case until the settlement is agreed on. Hurry it up!" In confusion, Mrs. A remitted the "money for settlement" as instructed.
- The fraudster makes pretence of an accident and upsets the victim's mind.
- Rushes the victim to leave no time for thinking.
- There are secondary fraudsters who act their parts.
- The call is made just before the cut-off time to make a remittance on the day.
