Question from a reader:
Recently, I received a call from a number starting with +8014… and was asked, “This is the second investigation division of ◯ Prefecture, is this ◯?” I thought it was clearly a scam call, but since they mentioned the name of the prefecture I live in and called me by my maiden name, I responded “yes,” and
then the call ended. In this case, is there anything I should do? I have already changed my name with the financial institution.

How to Deal with Scam Calls and Mental Care

I recently heard a story about someone receiving a call from a number starting with +8014. I had a similar experience a little while ago. On the other end of the line, I heard, “This is the second investigation division of ◯ Prefecture, is this ◯?” At first, I was surprised, but I quickly realized it was a scam call and hesitated to respond. The fact that they mentioned the name of the prefecture I live in and called me by my maiden name made me inadvertently respond “yes.” Is there anything I should do in this situation? Today, I would like to consider this from a legal perspective.

What is a Scam Call?

First, let’s review what a scam call is. A scam call is a phone call aimed at deceiving someone for monetary gain. Recently, many scammers try to increase their credibility by pretending to be from the police or financial institutions. Particularly, they act as if they know personal information to reassure the target, ultimately aiming to steal money. The call I experienced also had several unnatural points from the beginning. First, the phone number was +8014, which appeared to be an overseas call. This is a typical characteristic of scam calls. Additionally, being addressed by my maiden name gave the impression that they were familiar with my personal information, raising my anxiety. Many people likely fall for such tactics.

Risks of Responding to the Call

Now, regarding the fact that I responded “yes” to the call, this requires some caution. Some scam calls record the voice and later claim that the person agreed to a “contract” by responding “yes.” Of course, this is a legally contentious issue, but it can be considered one of the tactics used by scammers. In particular, scammers often have legal knowledge and use clever methods for this reason. In my opinion, the best strategy is to not respond to such calls at all. Even if the caller claims to be from a public institution, it is important to hang up. If you are still concerned, it is advisable to contact the institution using an official number to verify whether you actually received a call from them.

What to Do After the Call

After receiving a scam call, it is necessary to take several measures. First, it is good to contact your financial institution or credit card company to report the call. At this time, if you are using your maiden name, you might be able to ask how they knew that information. Additionally, if you are concerned about a potential leak of personal information, you should consider contacting a credit information agency to check your personal information. It is crucial to act quickly, especially since there is a risk of personal information being misused. I myself have contacted a credit information agency after receiving a call. The process was a bit cumbersome, but I felt it was a necessary step to ensure safety.

Mental Care is Important

However, receiving such scam calls can take a significant toll on your mental health. After I received the call, I felt anxious for several days. It was frightening to think about whether my personal information was known and how much information had leaked. Carrying such anxiety can have negative psychological effects. In fact, people who fall victim to scams often experience not only financial loss but also significant mental stress. From a psychological perspective, such experiences can become traumatic. That is why mental care is also important. Talking to trusted friends or family can lighten your feelings, and if necessary, consulting a professional is also an option.

Conclusion

Scam calls can happen to anyone, but it is important to be cautious in how you respond. When answering a call, it is essential to remain calm and make a rational judgment. If you receive a scam call, it is important to take action as quickly as possible and follow the necessary procedures. Also, do not forget to take care of your mental health and find ways to reduce stress. I hope that my experience can be of some reference to you all. Let’s remain vigilant against scams and strive to live in peace.