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

All Topics about Sagamihara All Cities in Japan

1. Taxi Scams

Some taxi drivers might take longer routes or overcharge. Always use a certified taxi service.

Certified Taxi Service: Ensure the taxi you're using is from a registered company.
Meter Usage: Insist on using the meter for fare calculation.
Avoid Late Night Travel: Avoid traveling late at night to minimize potential scams.

Some shops and restaurants near tourist spots might overcharge. Research prices beforehand.

Research Prices: Check the average price of goods or services at your destination.
Avoid Unfamiliar Places: Stick to well-known tourist spots and shops.
Negotiate Prices: Don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially for services.

Be aware of fake Japanese Yen. Check the notes for authenticity.

Check Denomination: Verify the denomination by feeling the texture and looking for security features.
Use ATMs from Reputable Banks: Withdraw money from reputable banks or ATMs to avoid counterfeit notes.
Exchange Money at Authorized Locations: Exchange currency only at authorized locations.

Some internet cafés might install spyware on your devices. Use trusted cafés and be cautious with personal data.

Choose Reputable Internet Cafes: Select internet cafes that are well-known and have good reviews.
Use a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for additional security.
Avoid Sharing Personal Data: Avoid sharing sensitive personal data, especially on public computers.

Some ATMs might have skimmers installed to steal your card data. Use ATMs at banks or inside buildings.

Choose Bank ATMs: Use ATMs that are part of a bank building.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent potential scammers from seeing it.
Monitor Your Account Regularly: Regularly check your account for unusual transactions.

Some 'guides' might lead you to overpriced shops or take you on unnecessary detours. Use only registered guides.

Registered Guide Services: Book guide services through reputable travel agencies.
Avoid Street Guides: Avoid accepting unsolicited help from strangers offering guide services.
Check Online Reviews: Read online reviews before booking any guide service.

Some accommodations might not exist or be overpriced. Book through reputable platforms.

Use Reputable Booking Platforms: Book accommodations through well-known and trusted online booking sites.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure the accommodation is genuine.
Contact Accommodation Directly: Contact the accommodation directly for confirmation before making a booking.

Some restaurants might use cheap or expired ingredients. Choose establishments with good reviews.

Check Reviews: Read online reviews before dining at a restaurant.
Avoid Street Food: Be cautious with street food, especially if it's not cooked in front of you.
Check Certifications: Look for health certifications and inspections stickers on restaurant walls.

Some locals might pretend to be friendly to lure you into a scam. Be wary of unsolicited help or friendliness.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and avoid the situation.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in crowded areas and avoid isolated locations.
Keep Valuables Secure: Keep your valuables hidden and secure to reduce the chance of theft.

Some car rental companies might charge excessive fees or provide damaged vehicles. Research the company and read reviews.

Research Companies: Choose well-known and reputable car rental companies.
Check Vehicle Condition: Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving away.
Avoid Last Minute Deals: Book car rentals well in advance to avoid last-minute deals that might be scams.

Some calls might be scammers pretending to be from a bank or government agency. Hang up and call the institution directly.

Verify Caller's Identity: Never share personal information with unknown callers.
Call Back Official Numbers: If in doubt, hang up and call the institution's official number.
Secure Internet Connections: Use secure internet connections to avoid potential scammers accessing your personal information.

Some unlicensed taxis might overcharge or take longer routes. Use only certified taxis.

Certified Taxi Service: Ensure the taxi you're using is from a registered company.
Meter Usage: Insist on using the meter for fare calculation.
Avoid Late Night Travel: Avoid traveling late at night to minimize potential scams.

Some beggars might be part of organized scams. Be wary and avoid giving money to strangers.

Avoid Giving Money: Instead of giving money, consider donating to legitimate charities.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you witness suspicious activity, report it to local authorities.

Some airport services might overcharge or provide subpar service. Research prices and services beforehand.

Research Prices: Check the average price of goods or services at your destination.
Avoid Unfamiliar Places: Stick to well-known tourist spots and shops.
Negotiate Prices: Don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially for services.

Some individuals might trick you into transferring money. Be cautious when transferring funds online.

Secure Internet Connections: Use secure internet connections to avoid potential scammers accessing your personal information.
Verify Requester's Identity: Never transfer money without verifying the identity of the requestor.
Use Reputable Money Transfer Services: Choose well-known and reputable online money transfer services.