In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in fraud cases involving fake shopping websites that disguise themselves as legitimate e-commerce platforms. These fraudulent sites imitate the logos and designs of well-known brands and companies to create a false sense of credibility. Common characteristics include extremely low prices, limited payment options (such as bank transfer only), unclear company information, and unnatural Japanese language usage. Victims often report paying for goods that never arrive or receiving counterfeit or substandard products.

The National Police Agency and Osaka Prefectural Police recommend checking the URL (look for "https" and trustworthy domains), verifying the company's address and phone number, and reviewing customer feedback and reputation as key steps to identifying fraudulent websites. Additionally, LINE provides a "Fraud Alert" service where users can access and share information about scam sites based on community reports.

In the event of falling victim to such fraud, it is crucial to consult law enforcement promptly and contact the financial institution or credit card company used for payment to seek potential recovery of funds. Always retain any evidence such as screenshots or emails.

1.  Overview and Characteristics of Online Shopping Scams

Fake shopping websites and scam sites imitate legitimate websites to trick users into placing orders and transferring payment.

Main Characteristics:

(1)   Extreme Discounts: Unusually low prices, such as 80% off the regular price.

(2)   Restricted Payment Methods: Only bank transfer is accepted.

(3)   Lack of Contact Information: No phone number listed, or only a free email address provided.

(4) Delays or Issues with Product Delivery: Items do not arrive or are counterfeit.

(5) Unnatural Language Usage: Awkward expressions suggestive of machine translation.

2.  Preventive Measures to Avoid Becoming a Victim

(1)   Check the Site's Credibility: Ensure the URL begins with "https://" and verify that the domain name is trustworthy.

(2)   Verify Contact Information: Check the business’s physical address and phone number to confirm the company’s existence.

(3)   Choose Secure Payment Methods: Opt for post-payment methods such as credit card or cash on delivery.

(4) Use SAGICHECK: Use the JC3-provided "SAGICHECK" tool to verify the credibility of the website.

3.  What to Do if You Become a Victim

(1)   Report to the Police: Consult with your nearest police station or cybercrime consultation desk.

(2)   Contact Financial Institutions: If payment was made via credit card or bank transfer, contact the relevant institution immediately.

(3)   Preserve Evidence: Save all transaction records, email communications, and take screenshots as evidence.

Source: Official websites of the National Police Agency and the Osaka Prefectural Police.