Special Crime Prevention Support Officers Koji Matoba and Jundai Yamada Participate in "Takanawa Community Safety Seminar," Emphasizing Importance of International Call Blocking

The "Stop Ore-Ore Fraud 47 ~Family Bonds Operation~" project team (abbreviation: SOS47) has been working with police departments in all 47 prefectures since 2018 to prevent damage from special fraud, which is rampant nationwide, by clearly conveying knowledge and prevention measures.

This time, the Metropolitan Police Department's Takanawa Police Station held the "Reiwa 8 Takanawa Community Safety Seminar." In the third part, National Police Agency Special Crime Prevention Support Officers Koji Matoba and Jundai Yamada took the stage. They gave a talk on countermeasures against "international calls," which are the main entry point for special fraud damage, strongly appealing to local residents to prevent damage.

■ Crime Prevention Talk Session by Support Officers Matoba and Yamada

At the beginning of the seminar, Support Officer Matoba appeared on stage and expressed his strong enthusiasm, saying, "I hope to clearly convey to everyone in the audience the key points to avoid becoming a victim today." Support Officer Yamada followed, greeting, "I will do my best to convey information so that you do not fall victim, not to be outdone by your enthusiasm!" and the seminar began.

Given that over 70% of calls used for special fraud last year were international calls, the topic of the necessity of countermeasures for landlines was raised first. Support Officer Matoba explained the importance of "not accepting" calls, stating, "The procedure to block international calls from overseas on landlines is a very effective measure. We strongly encourage those who do not use international calls to apply for it." In response, Support Officer Yamada conveyed immediate measures, saying, "The procedure to block incoming international calls is free. It's also easy to do, and we have distributed application forms. Please, everyone, apply for it."

Furthermore, as calls for special fraud on smartphones are rapidly increasing, the Metropolitan Police Department's crime prevention app "DigiPolice" with its international call blocking system and apps recommended by the National Police Agency were introduced as countermeasures to block such calls. Support Officer Matoba explained the crime prevention effects of introducing the app, saying, "DigiPolice not only has an international call blocking system but also various contents such as a crime prevention buzzer function and damage prevention videos. Please utilize it to prevent despicable crimes that steal your precious assets that you have worked hard to save." Support Officer Yamada also earnestly appealed, "By setting this up, you can add one 'peace of mind' preparation to your smartphone to prevent fraud. Whether you are familiar with operations or not, please complete the settings with a police officer before you go home."

To conclude the seminar, Support Officer Matoba reiterated a strong sense of crisis and urged preparedness, saying, "Special fraud is a despicable crime that steals your precious assets that you have worked hard to save. Never think of it as someone else's problem, and please take measures to prevent damage." Following this, Support Officer Yamada also sent a powerful message, "Everyone, there is no guarantee that you won't be deceived by special fraud! Please talk about today's damage prevention measures with your family and friends, and let's prevent damage as a united family and community!" and the seminar concluded.

Smartphone Crime Prevention Apps

Please check the details of the crime prevention apps below.

■ Metropolitan Police Department Crime Prevention App "DigiPolice"

■ National Police Agency Recommended Apps

【Event Outline】
■ Event Name: Reiwa 8 Takanawa Community Safety Seminar

■ Date: Saturday, April 25, Reiwa 8

■ Venue: Takanawa Kumin Hall

■ Attendees:

National Police Agency Special Crime Prevention Support Officer Koji Matoba

National Police Agency Special Crime Prevention Support Officer Jundai Yamada