Taito City Public Safety Gathering: Special Crime Prevention Support Officer Eiichiro Funakoshi Urges Action Against Special Fraud

Calling for Prevention of Special Fraud in Taito City

The "Stop Ore-Ore Fraud 47 Family Bond Operation" project team (SOS47) has been working with prefectural police forces across all 47 prefectures since 2018 on public awareness activities to prevent special fraud. On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Special Crime Prevention Support Officer Eiichiro Funakoshi took the stage at the "Taito City Public Safety Gathering" held at Asakusa Public Hall.

Countermeasures Against Fraud Exploiting International Calls

Regarding fraud that exploits international phone lines, which is also on the rise within Taito City, it was explained that about 75% of calls made by criminals are international calls. For landline phones, applying to suspend international call use is effective, and for smartphones, using apps recommended by the National Police Agency is effective. Apps such as "Fraud Countermeasures by NTT Townpage" and "Sagi Buster Light" have features to block incoming and outgoing international phone numbers, as well as numbers that have been used in special fraud.

Warning About Refund Scams and Fake Police Scams

Regarding refund scams, which are increasing in Taito City, a true-or-false quiz was held with the statement "The ward office notifies you of medical expense refunds by phone," and all attendees correctly answered "False." Mr. Funakoshi urged everyone to make a habit of "hanging up immediately if something seems wrong." He also stressed that, regarding fake police scams, police officers will absolutely never talk about money over the phone or show you an arrest warrant.

Finally, Mr. Funakoshi said that special fraud is a "crime that can be prevented by the community," as it can be deterred through each individual's awareness, and appealed to everyone to share the countermeasures they learned with their family and friends.