“It's-me” Scam

When you make a phone call to your parent or to your child, how do you tell them it's from you?  I think many people don't need to tell their names because of its relationship.  Probably many people would say just "Hi, It's me."   Or maybe you don't even need to tell them "It's me." 

This is same in Japan, especially boys.   Most boys in Japan don't tell their names when they make phone calls to their parents, they just say "It's me."

This is how swindler can pretend to be a son or a grandson by making a phone call in order to take money by deception.  Also grown-up boys tend to live far from parents.  In addition, they seldom make a phone call to their parents, that 's why parents tend to believe the person who says "It's me" on the phone, is a son.   Then swindler easily start fraud by telling the parent that he was so involved in a trouble that he would need immediate money. 

This is called "Ore Ore Sagi" meaning "It's me-fraud" , which has been very popular fraud in Japan.   The trick of this fraud sounds very simple but there are always victims of this fraud. 

Indeed, after watching this youtube video (in Japanese), I thought this type of fraud was never simple because some swindlers working together as a team.   Each one has a role to play for their creations of the fake story which try to embezzle through deception.

This video (in Japanese) revealed all their tricks thanks to the old lady who knew it was not her son.  She immediately called the police after calling her own son to make sure if he really called.   Then she pretended to be deceived.  TV crew were able to film this entire story of fraud because they happened to film the police for 24 hours as a documentary.

I am pretty sure I won't be put off with words.  But I'm not sure about my old parents.   After watching this video, I thought I should make a phone call to them from time to time if they are OK.