Avoid train line scams
Tokyo’s rail network is famously punctual, but it also attracts crafty con artists. They often target busy lines like the Chuo, Keikyu, or Yamanote loop and focus on solo travelers who look a bit lost.
Fake traveler emergencies
A tall man with a European accent—often called “Marc” or “Alex”—approaches you showing a Google Translate message that says he’s out of money or lost his wallet. He asks for cash to get to the airport and promises to pay you back. This ploy is well documented by Japan Today (link).
The man in black ploy
Another variation involves someone dressed in dark clothing, sometimes dubbed “The Man in Black.” He targets solo women, displays an urgent message, and can get aggressive if you refuse. Witnesses report him moving quickly from one potential victim to the next, especially on late-night trains (Japan Today).
Here’s how to stay safe on the rails
- Politely decline any loan requests and step away
- Head to the ticket gate or approach station staff if you feel uneasy
- Keep your phone camera handy to discreetly record details, but don’t hold it up too long
- Avoid isolated carriages late at night
- Brush up on tokyo train etiquette rules so you can spot anyone acting off-script
Dodge dating and gift cons
Looking for a date in Tokyo? Scammers know that solo travelers often turn to apps like Tinder for company. Their goal is simple: get you to buy prepaid gift cards before a meet-up.
Prepaid gift card trick
After chatting for a bit, your “date” will claim financial troubles and ask you to pick up a V-Preca prepaid card (sold at convenience stores) and send over the code. Once you share it, the person vanishes. Japan Today and Gaijinpot Blog both flag this as a rising trend (Japan Today, Gaijinpot Blog).
Model scout lure
A variant targets young women late at night. Someone posing as a talent scout offers a gig or casting. You show up, and suddenly gifts—often gift cards—are expected. If you refuse, they may pressure you or try to follow you home (GoDigit).
Quick dating-scam survival tips
- Never share gift card codes or banking details
- Suggest meeting in a public café and see if they agree
- Trust your gut—if something feels off, cut the chat
- Learn key phrases to stall or verify identity with japanese phrases for travelers
Sidestep bar and nightlife traps
Tokyo’s night scene is a blast, but some spots—especially in Roppongi, Shinjuku, and Golden Gai—use high-pressure tactics and hidden fees to empty your wallet.
Touts and free drink offers
Street touts promise “free drinks” or VIP entry. Once inside, you rack up charges on overpriced cocktails or mandatory cover fees. Shinjuku Golden Gai can hit you with 1,000–2,000 yen just to step inside (US First Exchange).
Spiked and tampered drinks
In some Roppongi bars, spiked drinks lead to inflated tabs when you’re too buzzed to notice the menu. GoDigit warns that you could pay hundreds of dollars before realizing something’s wrong (GoDigit).
Bar safety cheat sheet
- Avoid street touts and bars that aren’t listed on review sites
- Keep your drink in sight, and don’t refill from stranger’s hands
- Ask to see prices or a menu before ordering
- Carry cash to limit how much you spend
- Review general tokyo safety tips travelers before heading out
Learn to spot street vendor hustles
Tourist hotspots around temples and markets can feel magical—until you realize you’ve been shortchanged or sold something fake.
Coin swap scam
Some vendors swap out your Japanese ¥500 coin for a Korean 500-won piece when giving change. Both look similar at a glance, but the won is worth under 50 yen. Gaijinpot Blog highlights this unintentional yet common trick (Gaijinpot Blog).
Fake monk charm sales
Self-styled “monks” will offer charms or blessings, then demand payment—sometimes aggressively. Real Buddhist priests never solicit random tourists. Just smile, decline, and move on.
Overpriced souvenirs
Nakamise Shopping Street near Senso-ji Temple can push mass-produced trinkets at tourist prices. US First Exchange recommends heading to Kappabashi Street for authentic ceramics or to smaller shrines for a calmer experience (US First Exchange).
Vendor-savvy tips
- Count your change before walking away
- Buy souvenirs from reputable shops or official stalls
- Compare prices at two or three places before you decide
- Brush up on japan cultural etiquette guide so you know what’s normal
Prevent phone fraud in Japan
Not all scams happen face to face. The ore-ore (“It’s me”) con plays on your sympathy.
Ore-ore scam calls
Someone calls from an unknown number, uses a robotic voice or poor translation to claim a family emergency, and demands immediate money via bank transfer. GoDigit notes this often targets foreigners who aren’t sure how local banks work (GoDigit).
How to handle it
- Never transfer money on the spot
- Call the family member by a known number to verify
- If in doubt, hang up and dial Japan’s police (110) or check tokyo emergency numbers guide
Shop smart and avoid rip-offs
Beyond street stalls, certain shops in Shibuya and Shinjuku push knock-off items or fake discounts with high-pressure sales tactics.
Knock-off goods and faux deals
A shop may advertise “70 percent off” only to apply that discount to an inflated original price. Some stores dodge on refund policies if you spot a defect. GoDigit warns that once you buy, it’s tough to get your money back (GoDigit).
Shopping safety tips
- Inspect items carefully and ask for a written receipt
- Compare prices online or at a department store
- Stick to well-known brands or official outlets
- Understand japan cash or card payments so you know if a credit card terminal is genuine
- If you plan big purchases, learn the tokyo tax refund process
Gear up with local know-how
The best defense is preparation. Arm yourself with these essentials before your next Tokyo adventure.
- Carry enough cash, since many places still prefer yen—see japan cash or card payments
- Withdraw at 7-Eleven ATMs for better foreign card acceptance
- Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or pick up a japan sim card for tourists for maps and instant verification
- Download a translation app to read on-the-spot messages or pleas
- Learn a few key phrases with japanese phrases for travelers
- Store extra bags with tokyo luggage storage options to lighten your load
- Check rush hour times tokyo avoid to dodge the densest crowds
- Bookmark nearby tokyo tourist information centers for help and verified advice
Quick reference: common Tokyo scams
| Scam type | Where | Red flag | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fake emergency pleas | Chuo, Keikyu, Yamanote | EU accent, phone message, lost-wallet story ([Japan Today]) | Decline politely, move to staff, record details |
| Prepaid gift card demands | Tinder, dating apps | Ask for V-Preca codes before meeting ([Gaijinpot]) | Never share codes, verify identity |
| Bar tout hustles | Roppongi, Shinjuku, Golden Gai | “Free drinks” pitch, cover fees ([US First Exchange]) | Avoid street touts, check menus, pay cash |
| Coin swap scam | Tourist stalls | Korean 500-won in change ([Gaijinpot]) | Count coins, use official shops |
| Fake monk sales | Temple grounds | Aggressive charm sales | Decline and walk away |
| Ore-ore phone fraud | Phone calls | Robotic voice, urgent money demand ([GoDigit]) | Hang up, verify with known family, call police |
| Knock-off goods, faux discounts | Shibuya, Shinjuku shops | Too-good-to-be-true prices, no refund policy ([GoDigit]) | Inspect items, get receipts, buy at legit outlets |
Answer your scam questions
-
How can I politely refuse a loan request on the train?
Smile, say sorry, and step toward the ticket gate. If you feel uneasy, tap a station attendant on the shoulder or head to a busy car. -
What should I do if I realize I’ve been scammed?
Report it at your nearest police box (koban) or dial 110. You can also visit tokyo tourist information centers for guidance in English. -
Can I dispute a bad bar bill?
Try talking calmly to the manager and ask to see the menu and your itemized receipt. If that fails, note the establishment’s name and address, then report it to police. -
Is it safe to buy souvenirs at Nakamise Street?
The street’s offerings can be overpriced and mass-produced. For authentic crafts, head to Kappabashi Street or smaller local shops. -
How do I verify a stranger calling about a family emergency?
Hang up, then call that family member on a number you already have. Never transfer money to an unknown account on impulse.
