Question from a reader:
I received an email claiming to be from MasterCard. Is this a scam? I also have a MasterCard, but since I have set a low credit limit, I don’t think there is any particular problem. However, I am concerned that the email came from the Animate domain. Could the scammer be an employee of Animate? What do
you think?
Characteristics of Scam Emails and Countermeasures
Recently, many people have started using the internet, and the number of victims of scam emails has also increased. Scam emails claiming to be from financial institutions or credit card companies are often cleverly crafted and can be difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. The email claiming to be from MasterCard that the questioner received is one such example. To identify such scam emails, it is essential to understand a few key points.
1. Check the sender’s information
Many scam emails spoof the sender’s address. For example, even if it looks similar to an official email address, it may actually be sent from a different domain. In the questioner’s case, the fact that it was sent from the Animate domain is concerning, but this is also one of the tactics used by scammers. Scammers often use well-known company names or brand names to enhance their credibility. Therefore, it is important to check the email header information to investigate which server the email was actually sent from. This will help determine if the email is from an unreliable server.
2. Verify the email content
Scam emails often share several common characteristics. For instance, they may contain urgent calls to action or requests for personal information. Additionally, if the wording is unnatural or there are many typos, it raises suspicion. A legitimate communication from a company should be properly proofread. If the email the questioner received falls into this category, it can be considered highly suspicious. Particularly, MasterCard itself does not contact consumers directly, which further indicates a high likelihood of a scam.
3. Check the links
Scam emails often contain links to fake websites. These links may look similar to official sites, but they are likely created by scammers. If you click on the link, you may be prompted to enter your personal information, significantly increasing the risk of falling victim to a scam. As a precaution, it is recommended not to click on links in emails and instead access the official site directly. For example, you can type the credit card company’s URL directly into your browser to log in and access your account.
Legal Knowledge to Protect Yourself from Scams
Scamming activities are strictly regulated by law. In Japan, the crime of fraud is defined under Article 246 of the Penal Code, and acts of deceiving others to obtain property are subject to punishment. Additionally, consumer rights are protected under the Consumer Contract Act and the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions.
1. Consumer Rights
Under Japanese law, consumers are protected from unfair transactions. If you fall victim to a scam, you can assert the invalidity of the contract based on the Consumer Contract Act. For example, you can demand the return of money paid to the scammer. However, if you realize the scam too late or do not act quickly, it may become difficult to get a refund, so prompt action is crucial.
2. Reporting to the police
If you receive a scam email, it is also important to report its contents to the police. Especially if you have fallen victim to a scam, promptly reporting to the police can help prevent other victims from being harmed. By gathering information about scams, the police can conduct more effective investigations and increase the chances of apprehending the scammers.
Real Cases and Their Countermeasures
In recent years, various scam incidents have occurred in Japan. Many of these involve impersonating banks or credit card companies, with victims continuing to emerge. For example, in one case, a person who received a fake email clicked on a link and entered their personal information, resulting in a large sum of money being fraudulently withdrawn. In this case, the victim was able to minimize damage by quickly contacting the bank and freezing their account. Based on such cases, the following countermeasures can be highlighted:
1. Regular account checks
Make it a habit to regularly check your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice any abnormalities, you can quickly contact your bank or card company for prompt action.
2. Use of security software
Using security software can protect you from spam emails and phishing sites. In particular, you can utilize email filtering features to automatically exclude suspicious emails.
3. Education on information security
Share information about the characteristics of scam emails and countermeasures with family and friends. Especially for the elderly or those with low IT literacy, raising awareness can help prevent them from falling victim to scams.
Conclusion
Scam emails are often very clever and can be difficult to detect, but by knowing basic knowledge and countermeasures, you can prevent significant damage. If you feel uneasy like the questioner, it is important to calmly verify information and respond through official channels. Additionally, if you fall victim to a scam, taking swift action to protect your rights is crucial. Let’s ensure that many people can use the internet safely by firmly establishing effective defenses against scams.
