Beware of 'Long Holiday Scams' Targeting Travelers and Returnees! Whoscall Releases Tactics and Countermeasures for Impersonation Scams
Whoscall Inc. has released an alert regarding scams that surge during long holiday periods, such as phishing scams mimicking accommodation booking sites and transportation services, as well as 'Ore-ore' (impersonation) scams targeting families.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 02:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 18:02
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 19:56 (1h 53m after Collected)
## Press Release Information
Whoscall Inc. (Headquarters: Fukuoka City, CEO: Jeff Kuo) has released information on the tactics and countermeasures for scams that tend to increase during long holiday periods.
During the long holiday season, when opportunities for travel and returning home increase, there is a heightened risk of falling victim to phishing scams disguised as accommodation booking sites or transportation services, as well as impersonation scams targeting relatives.
Phishing scams, which lead victims to fake websites via emails, SMS, or advertisements disguised as real companies and organizations to steal account information and credit card details, are increasing year by year. According to the National Police Agency, the number of damage cases in 2025 exceeded approximately 2.45 million, a rapid increase of about 1.4 times from the previous year (*1). Additionally, for "Ore-ore scams" where scammers impersonate police officers or relatives, the total damage in 2025 reached 112.1 billion yen, an increase of approximately 145% compared to the previous year. Particular caution is needed during periods when communication between family members increases due to holiday visits (*2).
In past long holidays, reports have been made regarding damage caused by being led to phishing sites from emails or ads disguised as booking sites, airlines, or railways, as well as financial damage from scams impersonating relatives.
In this release, we introduce actual scam tactics along with points to prevent falling victim. Travel-related scams not only lead to financial loss but can also cause serious trouble, such as being unable to stay at your destination. To enjoy your long holiday with peace of mind, please exercise sufficient caution.
(*1) National Police Agency: "Situation of Threats in Cyberspace in 2025"
(*2) National Police Agency: "Recognition and Arrest Situation for Special Fraud and SNS-type Investment/Romance Scams in 2025 (Provisional Figures)"
### Scam Tactics and Countermeasures Targeting Long Holidays
■ Be Suspicious of Extreme Discounts: Phishing Scams Disguised as "Accommodation Booking Sites"
There are cases where users are led to phishing sites disguised as accommodation booking platforms through SNS or fake advertisements to steal credit card information. In particular, cases have been confirmed where access is encouraged by displaying prices that are extremely cheaper than fair market prices.
Fake sites skillfully mimic the design and logo of official sites, making them difficult to distinguish. When using such services, check the URL to ensure it is the official site.
[Tactics Examples]
- Inducing access to fake sites by offering significantly lower prices with phrases like "Only now" or "Golden Week limited."
- Prompting the entry of credit card information on the booking page of the destination phishing site.
[Checkpoints]
- Check if the price is extremely cheap compared to other sites.
- Verify if the URL domain is natural.
■ Don't Panic Over Alarming Notifications Like "Booking Cancelled" or "Unpaid Fees": Scams Impersonating Airlines and Railway Companies
SMS, emails, and suspicious calls disguised as airlines or railway companies regarding "booking cancellations" or "unpaid fee guidance" have been confirmed. These communications aim to stir up user anxiety and prevent calm judgment. It is important to doubt whether the communication is official rather than panicking.
[Tactics Examples]
- Contacting users disguised as airlines or railways under the guise of "booking cancellation," "additional charges," or "unpaid fees."
- Leading users to phishing sites via links in the message and prompting for login or credit card info.
[Checkpoints]
- Be especially careful if alarming expressions like "Important," "Urgent," or "Warning" are used.
- Do not click URLs in messages; access the official site directly from your browser.
■ If a Relative Claims Their Number Has Changed, Call Back the Original Number! Impersonation Scams Targeting the Homecoming Season
Ore-ore scams impersonating relatives occur during homecoming seasons when family contact increases. Scammers may contact victims saying "my phone broke, so my number changed" to gain trust and then demand bank transfers or electronic money payments by feigning emergencies like "I caused trouble and need settlement money" or "my wallet was stolen."
[Tactics Examples]
- Contacting saying "the phone broke" or "the number changed" and making the victim register a fake contact.
- After gaining trust in the new number, demanding money for a sudden emergency.
[Checkpoints]
- Even if told the "number changed," call back the original phone number to verify facts.
- Use code words known only by family or specific episodes to confirm identity.
Comment from Yumi Akutsu, Head of Marketing, Whoscall Japan:
While bookings and travel increase during long holidays, it is also a time when scam damage targeting these actions easily occurs. In recent years, from emails and SMS disguised as accommodation booking sites, airlines, and railway companies...
Whoscall Inc. (Headquarters: Fukuoka City, CEO: Jeff Kuo) has released information on the tactics and countermeasures for scams that tend to increase during long holiday periods.
During the long holiday season, when opportunities for travel and returning home increase, there is a heightened risk of falling victim to phishing scams disguised as accommodation booking sites or transportation services, as well as impersonation scams targeting relatives.
Phishing scams, which lead victims to fake websites via emails, SMS, or advertisements disguised as real companies and organizations to steal account information and credit card details, are increasing year by year. According to the National Police Agency, the number of damage cases in 2025 exceeded approximately 2.45 million, a rapid increase of about 1.4 times from the previous year (*1). Additionally, for "Ore-ore scams" where scammers impersonate police officers or relatives, the total damage in 2025 reached 112.1 billion yen, an increase of approximately 145% compared to the previous year. Particular caution is needed during periods when communication between family members increases due to holiday visits (*2).
In past long holidays, reports have been made regarding damage caused by being led to phishing sites from emails or ads disguised as booking sites, airlines, or railways, as well as financial damage from scams impersonating relatives.
In this release, we introduce actual scam tactics along with points to prevent falling victim. Travel-related scams not only lead to financial loss but can also cause serious trouble, such as being unable to stay at your destination. To enjoy your long holiday with peace of mind, please exercise sufficient caution.
(*1) National Police Agency: "Situation of Threats in Cyberspace in 2025"
(*2) National Police Agency: "Recognition and Arrest Situation for Special Fraud and SNS-type Investment/Romance Scams in 2025 (Provisional Figures)"
### Scam Tactics and Countermeasures Targeting Long Holidays
■ Be Suspicious of Extreme Discounts: Phishing Scams Disguised as "Accommodation Booking Sites"
There are cases where users are led to phishing sites disguised as accommodation booking platforms through SNS or fake advertisements to steal credit card information. In particular, cases have been confirmed where access is encouraged by displaying prices that are extremely cheaper than fair market prices.
Fake sites skillfully mimic the design and logo of official sites, making them difficult to distinguish. When using such services, check the URL to ensure it is the official site.
[Tactics Examples]
- Inducing access to fake sites by offering significantly lower prices with phrases like "Only now" or "Golden Week limited."
- Prompting the entry of credit card information on the booking page of the destination phishing site.
[Checkpoints]
- Check if the price is extremely cheap compared to other sites.
- Verify if the URL domain is natural.
■ Don't Panic Over Alarming Notifications Like "Booking Cancelled" or "Unpaid Fees": Scams Impersonating Airlines and Railway Companies
SMS, emails, and suspicious calls disguised as airlines or railway companies regarding "booking cancellations" or "unpaid fee guidance" have been confirmed. These communications aim to stir up user anxiety and prevent calm judgment. It is important to doubt whether the communication is official rather than panicking.
[Tactics Examples]
- Contacting users disguised as airlines or railways under the guise of "booking cancellation," "additional charges," or "unpaid fees."
- Leading users to phishing sites via links in the message and prompting for login or credit card info.
[Checkpoints]
- Be especially careful if alarming expressions like "Important," "Urgent," or "Warning" are used.
- Do not click URLs in messages; access the official site directly from your browser.
■ If a Relative Claims Their Number Has Changed, Call Back the Original Number! Impersonation Scams Targeting the Homecoming Season
Ore-ore scams impersonating relatives occur during homecoming seasons when family contact increases. Scammers may contact victims saying "my phone broke, so my number changed" to gain trust and then demand bank transfers or electronic money payments by feigning emergencies like "I caused trouble and need settlement money" or "my wallet was stolen."
[Tactics Examples]
- Contacting saying "the phone broke" or "the number changed" and making the victim register a fake contact.
- After gaining trust in the new number, demanding money for a sudden emergency.
[Checkpoints]
- Even if told the "number changed," call back the original phone number to verify facts.
- Use code words known only by family or specific episodes to confirm identity.
Comment from Yumi Akutsu, Head of Marketing, Whoscall Japan:
While bookings and travel increase during long holidays, it is also a time when scam damage targeting these actions easily occurs. In recent years, from emails and SMS disguised as accommodation booking sites, airlines, and railway companies...