< February 1st to March 18th is the cybersecurity period>

Computers and smartphones are used by many people, from children to the elderly, and have become an indispensable part of our lives.  In particular, there has been an increase in consultations with the police regarding phishing emails.

In order to use the Internet, e-mail, etc. with peace of mind, let’s acquire “correct knowledge and usage” and know the tricks of cybercrime to prevent damage.

Beware of tech support scams!

Tech support scam refers to displaying a fake warning screen such as “You are infected with a virus” while browsing the Internet to incite user anxiety and make them call the phone number displayed on the screen , do based service contract through remote computer control.

Methods used in attacks

The sounds and warning screens make the user anxious and he calls the support desk displayed on the screen..

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When I called, an operator claiming to be from a support company answered and said, “Your computer is infected with a virus.”

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The user is instructed by the operator to install the remote control software so that the operator can carry out support work.

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Although the warning sound and the warning screen are gone, payment by credit card or payment at a convenience store is charged under the guise of annual labor and support costs.

In order not to suffer damage

• Do not call the number displayed on prompt screens.
• Do not pay with a credit card or electronic money.
• Close browser with fake warning screens.
• If remote control software is installed, remove the software and run a virus scan.

Be careful not to carelessly “don’t open, don’t click, don’t type”!

See also the article “Beware of Cyber Attacks (phishing emails)!”

Aside from phishing emails and tech support scams, make an appointment if you feel unsafe receiving an unknown billing email, etc.

Consultation counters

Police Security Consultation Phone (Keisatsu Anzen Soudan Denwa) #9110 (Japanese only)

*For dial-in phones, call 059-224-9110

Opening hours from 9 am to 5 pm (except weekends, commemorative days and New Year’s holidays)

For multilingual inquiries, use MieCo, Mie Foreign Residents Consultation Center

Phone 080-3300-8077

Sunday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (except weekends, commemorative days and New Year’s holidays)

Supported languages ​​are English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese.