#Japan #Securities Fraud #Tokyo #Phishing Sites #Fake Sales

April Online Fraud Report

The April edition of the online fraud report reveals a shocking increase in phishing sites, particularly those targeting securities, reaching a sixfold rise compared to the previous month. According to a survey by the Financial Services Agency, reports have come from nine securities companies, with a staggering total of 3,505 instances of fraudulent transactions as of April 2025.

In terms of financial impact, around 161.2 billion yen has been lost in fraudulent sales, and approximately 143.7 billion yen was made in fraudulent purchases, indicating a rampant issue that requires urgent attention.

These phishing attempts often occur through emails and SMS messages, aiming to steal users' IDs and passwords. To combat this, securities firms are urging their clients to enhance their security measures by utilizing two-factor authentication and FIDO authentication methods on their platforms. These proactive steps are essential in preventing unauthorized access to accounts.

Emergence of Fake Rice Selling Sites

In recent times, various fraudulent websites purporting to sell rice at discounted prices have emerged, capitalizing on the current rice shortage and rising prices. Such sites offer products at 20-30% less than typical market prices, enticing unsuspecting consumers. The Consumer Affairs Agency has also issued warnings regarding these deceptive sites.

Many people unintentionally access these fraudulent web pages via searches or advertisements, leading to severe risks, including identity theft and the non-receipt of purchased goods. Even when these offers seem too good to be true, it's crucial to take a moment for verification before making any purchasing decisions. Always prefer to shop from trusted e-commerce platforms you regularly use.

Ranking of Phishing Brands

In the phishing landscape for April, Amazon maintained its position at the top of the brand ranking, despite a slight decrease in its share compared to last month. However, the actual number of incidents has increased. Notably, Rakuten Securities has entered the fourth position, marking a nearly fourfold growth in phishing attacks directed at them. Other financial institutions, such as Nomura Securities and SBI Securities, have also been targeted, although they didn’t make it to the top of the ranking.

Breakdown of Phishing Site Categories

April saw a significant increase of nearly ten percentage points for phishing sites related to securities, highlighting the urgency surrounding this issue as it continues into May. This trend underscores the need for raised awareness and vigilance among internet users.

Prevention Tips Against Phishing Scams

1. Verify URLs: Always ensure that the URL in emails or SMS messages is legitimate prior to clicking. It's safer to visit official sites via bookmarks or direct web searches.
2. Suspicious Communications: Be cautious of emails or SMS prompts requesting personal or credit card information. Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive data through these channels.
3. Avoid Reusing Credentials: Do not use the same login ID and password across multiple sites. If they're compromised, it increases the likelihood of other accounts being accessed fraudulently. Change and manage login credentials uniquely for each service.
4. Invest in Security Software: As fraudulent techniques evolve, relying solely on past safeguards may not be sufficient. Employing up-to-date security software can provide alerts when accessing suspicious sites.

Insights from Professor Tatsuya Mori

Professor Tatsuya Mori remarks on the alarming rise of phishing sites targeting the securities sector. As outlined in the report, these fake sites closely mimic legitimate ones, making them difficult to distinguish at first glance. A fundamental rule to follow is to never click on links in unsolicited emails or messages. Instead, always navigate through official applications or websites directly.

He highlights the need for vigilance against scams that prey on social anxieties, exemplified by offers that appear to be 20-30% cheaper than usual. Ultimately, the most effective strategies against fraud hinge on cultivating a habit of skepticism and maintaining diligence in verification processes.

With a little preparation and awareness, consumers can safeguard themselves against the perils of online fraud.

About BBSS Inc.

• - Company Name: BBSS Inc.
• - Location: 1-7-1 Kaigan, Minato, Tokyo, Japan
• - CEO: Shin'ya Honda
• - Founded: January 17, 2006
• - Shareholder: 100% owned by SB C&S Corporation
• - Business Focus: Development and provision of consumer software and IoT services, as well as corporate licensing sales.
• - Website: www.bbss.co.jp