Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan

All Topics about Fujisawa All Cities in Japan

1. Tourist Information Center Scam

Beware of misleading information from unofficial tourist centers. Always verify details with the official Fujisawa Tourism Association.

Misinformation: Unauthorized centers may provide incorrect or outdated information
Identity Confusion: Some scammers pose as authorized tourist representatives
Rip-offs and Overcharging: Unauthorized centers may offer services at inflated prices

Avoid taxis without a meter or with a broken one. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Meter Tampering: Taxis without meters may demand excessive fares
Unfamiliarity with Routes: Some drivers may take longer routes to inflate the fare
Lack of Regulation: Private or unregistered taxis may lack regulation and accountability

Be cautious when buying from street vendors. Ensure the food is fresh and properly cooked.

Contaminated Food: Unhygienic conditions may lead to foodborne illnesses
Overpricing: Some vendors may charge tourists more than locals for the same items
Fraudulent Sales: Scammers may sell fake or low-quality products as authentic souvenirs

Book accommodation through trusted platforms or reputable agencies. Inspect the property before paying any deposits.

Substandard Accommodation: Scammers may offer poor quality or subpar accommodations
Identity Theft: Some scammers may ask for sensitive personal information
Double Booking: Scammers may rent the same property to multiple parties, causing disputes or denial of service

Be wary of overly friendly locals offering help or companionship. They may lead you into a scam or theft situation.

Theft: Scammers may pickpocket or steal belongings under the guise of friendship
Misdirection: Friendly scammers may lead you to ATMs or shops where you're overcharged or defrauded
Fraudulent Guides: Scammers posing as guides may demand excessive fees or lead you to scam locations

Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit, busy areas. Cover the keypad while entering your PIN.

Skimming Devices: ATMs with hidden cameras and card readers may capture your information
Card Trapping: Some ATMs may trap cards to steal them and access your account
Location Vulnerability: Isolated or poorly lit ATMs are more likely to be targeted by scammers

Verify the authenticity of Japanese Yen bills using a banknote verification machine. Be aware of new, high-quality forgeries.

Poor Quality Forgeries: Easily identifiable fake bills may be rejected by merchants
High-Quality Forgeries: Modern forgeries are hard to distinguish from genuine notes without a verification machine
Unsuspecting Victims: Even experienced travelers can be fooled by convincing counterfeits

Avoid leaving valuable items unattended in internet cafés. Be aware of software that may record your keystrokes.

Theft: Items left unattended are at risk of being stolen
Keylogging: Scammers may install keylogger software to steal personal information
Unauthorized Access: Leaving a computer unattended allows scammers to access your account and personal information

Negotiate prices for goods before purchasing. Be aware of inflated prices for tourist attractions.

Price Gouging: Some shops may overcharge tourists for the same items sold at lower prices to locals
Lack of Bargaining Experience: Inexperienced travelers may accept higher prices without negotiating
Pressure Tactics: Some shopkeepers may use high-pressure sales tactics to convince you to buy

Book guided tours through reputable agencies. Be wary of unlicensed guides offering discounted services.

Unlicensed Operators: Some tour guides may operate without the required licenses
Inadequate Knowledge: Unqualified guides may provide incorrect or incomplete information
Fraudulent Sales: Scammers may lead you to shops where they receive commissions for sales

Inspect rental bicycles thoroughly before riding. Be aware of hidden charges and time limits.

Damage Charges: Scammers may charge for damage that was pre-existing or not your fault
Time Limits: Some rental shops may have strict time limits, resulting in hidden charges
Lack of Insurance: Riding without insurance exposes you to theft and accident risks

Use only official bus stops. Be aware of people offering 'express' or 'direct' services that may be scams.

Unauthorized Operators: Some drivers may operate without proper licenses or insurance
Overcharging: Scammers may charge higher fares than official buses
Fraudulent Destinations: Some drivers may take you to locations where they receive commission for sales or services

Avoid donating to street performers unless they are registered with the city. Be aware of distractions that may lead to theft.

Unregistered Performers: Performers without city registration may not be legitimate
Distraction Tactics: Scammers may create a distraction while an accomplice picks your pockets
Excessive Donations: Some performers may request excessive donations, claiming they are in need

Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN to secure your connection.

Data Interception: Public Wi-Fi networks may be vulnerable to data interception
Malware Infection: Public Wi-Fi networks may carry malware that infects your device
Unsecured Connections: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted, making data vulnerable to interception

Verify the legitimacy of charity collectors by asking for identification and verification of their organization.

Fraudulent Organizations: Some charity collectors may not be associated with legitimate organizations
Pressure Tactics: Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to force donations
Inadequate Fund Usage: Some charity collectors may not direct funds towards their intended purpose