Things that require special attention when living in Japan (updated on Jan. 9, 2026)

<Urgent Alert>

A warning from the National Police Agency:

Concerning a series of special fraud cases targeting mainly Chinese students

Scam cases targeting international students have been reported both in Japan and overseas, and similar cases have also been confirmed at this university.
These scams follow common patterns, and many cases begin with contact from individuals claiming to represent the Chinese Embassy or Chinese public security authorities.

Common Scam Tactics

• Contact is made by someone claiming to be from the Chinese Embassy or the Chinese Public Security Bureau
• The student is told statements such as “You are involved in a serious crime” or “You will be forcibly returned to China and will not be able to re-enter Japan”, and is instructed not to consult anyone
• Under the pretext of an investigation, the student is instructed to enter personal information into a designated app
• An interrogation is conducted via Zoom or similar platforms, with uniforms and backgrounds that appear to be authentic
• The student is asked to transfer a specified amount of money as “bail” or a “security deposit” (claimed to be refundable later)
• After the transfer, all contact is lost and the scam is discovered

Points to Be Aware Of

• These scam methods have been reported in China as well, yet cases continue to occur
• Words such as “crime,” “forced deportation,” and “unable to re-enter Japan” can cause panic and impair calm judgment
• Zoom-based interrogations can make victims believe the scammers are real police officers

To Prevent Fraud

• Consult Japanese police or the university at an early stage.
• Do not provide personal information.
• Do not transfer money under any circumstances, regardless of the reason given.

If you feel even slightly uneasy, do not decide on your own—be sure to consult with someone immediately.

• Flyer (PDF)

A warning from the Consumer Affairs Center Advisory:

Trouble involving door-to-door sales targeting international students (Electricity, Gas, Water Servers, etc.)

The Consumer Affairs Center has received reports of international students being charged high fees or cancellation penalties after signing contracts without fully understanding explanations in Japanese.

Examples of actual consultations
• A business operator visited a student under the pretense of gas inspection or contract confirmation and promoted a water server, explaining that it was “free.”
The student agreed to the contract without fully understanding the Japanese explanation and was repeatedly told to answer “yes.” No written contract was provided.
It was later discovered that the service was not free, and the student was charged a high cancellation fee when requesting to terminate the contract.
• A door-to-door electricity sales representative claimed that “everyone living in the apartment building must change their contract,” which the student believed and agreed to.
No written contract was provided. It was later found that this information was false, and the electricity charges were extremely high.

Message to International Students

1. Do not write your name or sign anything if you do not fully understand it.
2. Consult with university faculty or staff before signing any documents.
3. Do not share personal information, such as credit card numbers.
4. If you do not want something or do not understand it, clearly say “No, I don’t need it.”
5. If you experience trouble or are unsure, contact a Consumer Affairs Center for advice.

Consultation Contacts

• Consumer Hotline
  Dial 188 (no area code)
• Kyoto City Consumer Affairs Center (Weekdays 9:00–17:00)
  Tel: 075-366-1319
• Kyoto Prefecture Consumer Affairs and Safety Center
  • Youth Consumer Hotline (Weekdays 9:00–17:00)
    Tel: 075-671-0044
  • General Consultation (Weekdays 9:00–16:00)
    Tel: 075-671-0004
• Consumer Consultation Service on Weekends and Public Holidays
  (Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, 9:00–16:00)
  Dial 188 (same number as the Consumer Hotline)

A warning from the National Police Agency:

Giving or selling your bank account (cash card or bankbook) to another person is a crime.

• Flyer (PDF)
• Living in Japan:How to Open a Bank Account and Send Money (Financial Services Agency Website)

Reminder from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:

Regarding Efforts to Prevent the Invasion of Infectious Diseases of Livestock and Plant Pests

Outline

1. Bringing meat products, fruits, vegetables, etc. from overseas to Japan is strictly restricted by law, and regardless of the quantity or form of transportation (baggage, personal effects, or mail), they cannot be brought into Japan.
2. Illegally bringing meat products, fruits, vegetables, etc. into Japan is subject to heavy penalties (e.g., imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (or up to 50 million yen in the case of corporations)).
3. Not only foreign students themselves, but also their family members and acquaintances visiting Japan should be careful not to bring meat products, fruits, vegetables, etc. into Japan, and also not to send them by mail to Japan.

Reference

• Poster
• Animal Quarantine Service Website
  • FAQ