Kids IT Lab No.14 | Security

Online Crime Methods to Watch Out For

Japan's National Police Agency reports that cybercrime arrests exceed 10,000 cases per year. The tactics are growing more sophisticated, and teens are targeted just as much as adults. This article breaks down the most prevalent methods, how to recognize them, and what to do when you encounter one.

What Is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime refers to fraud, harassment, and unauthorized access carried out using the internet or computers. It broadly falls into three types: financial fraud (scamming money), information theft (unauthorized access to data), and harassment/disruption (defamation and service attacks). In Japan, laws including the Unauthorized Computer Access Prohibition Act and various fraud statutes cover these crimes — and there are many cases of middle school students being arrested.

Six Common Tactics That Affect Teens

Online Crime Targeting Teens: Methods, Triggers, and Warning Signs Source: Japan's National Police Agency, National Consumer Affairs Center latest case reports Tactic How teens encounter it Warning signs Tech support scam Fake "virus" screen alert Free streaming / piracy sites Fake browser warning popup Loud alarm + phone number on screen × Just close the browser RMT scam In-game item trading "Selling items cheap" DM Via Twitter/Discord Upfront payment required, off-platform Account ban risk too Account hijacking Reused passwords Other-site breach → same PW exploited Friends click links in hijacked DMs Sudden investment/URL DMs Verify via a separate channel Impersonation scam Fake celeb / known person "Official fan club" DM Giveaway / prize campaign on SNS Asks for money upfront Check for verified badge Illegal job recruitment High-pay job ads "¥50k/day, cash receiver" DM Via X, TikTok, Instagram Requests ID copy, same-day pay You become a robbery/fraud accomplice ▶ Universal red flags: "Hurry," "special deal," "guaranteed profit," or "send us your ID" If you encounter a suspicious DM or warning, screenshot it and show a parent, guardian, or teacher
Figure 1: Online crime tactics targeting teens. "Hurry / special / guaranteed profit" are high-risk scam signals.

How Tech Support Scams Work

Tech Support Scam: Fake Warning Screen and the Right Response "Call this number" and "allow remote access" are the most dangerous steps — just close the browser × Fake Warning Screen (what it looks like) ⚠ VIRUS ALERT ⚠ Your PC is infected with 5 viruses! Your personal data, passwords, and photos are at risk Call Microsoft Certified Support immediately 📞 03-XXXX-XXXX + Loud alarm sound plays Browser appears unable to close → Many people panic and call the number ○ Correct Response (stay calm) ① Do not call — do not interact The real Microsoft never shows a phone number on screen ② Hold Esc or force-quit the browser Use Ctrl+Alt+Delete to end the browser process ③ Clear browser history and cache Prevents reopening the same malicious site ④ Run a virus scan just in case Use Windows Defender for a full scan × If you already called Remove remote-access software and change all passwords → Stay calm and you walk away with zero damage
Figure 2: Tech support scam fake warning and the right response. Do not call; just close the browser to avoid all harm.

A tech support scam works like this: while browsing, a popup suddenly appears with a loud alarm sound saying "Your PC is infected with viruses! Call Microsoft Support now!" If you call, a "Japanese-speaking fake operator" convinces you to install remote-access software and then pressures you to buy gift cards at a convenience store as "repair fees." Staying calm and simply closing the browser stops most of these cold. You never need to call a phone number shown on screen or install any app the caller tells you to.

Recommended Practices for Teens

Two golden rules: "If it sounds too good, don't bite" and "anyone trying to rush you is suspect." Phrases like "massive investment returns," "just for you, special offer," or "complete this within 24 hours" are strong signals of a scam. If someone you met online brings up anything involving money, talk to a parent/guardian or teacher right away. On the topic of online harassment: do not become the person writing it either. Even "anonymous" posts can be traced through legal processes like sender identification disclosure, and minors face serious consequences.

Save Evidence and Report

If you find a suspicious DM or warning screen, take a screenshot before doing anything else — it makes reporting much easier. Note the account name, URL, date/time, and what was demanded, then show it to a family member or teacher. You do not need to reply to the sender or click any links again. If you entered your login credentials, change the password for that service and any others using the same password, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

Common Pitfalls

Three Easy Ways to Get Trapped
  • A DM saying "¥50,000/day — cash pickup wanted." This is an illegal job ad — you become an accomplice in robbery or fraud.
  • Clicking a URL in a DM from a "friend whose account was hijacked." The real person has no idea it is happening.
  • Getting invited to a crypto group promising big gains. Initial fake profits are shown, then withdrawals are blocked.

How Will This Help You in the Future?

Knowing online crime tactics protects you from becoming a victim — and will also help you protect children or elderly family members in the future. Grandparents living on pensions are increasingly targeted by tech support scams, and whether a young family member knows the tactics can determine how bad the outcome is. In the workplace, corporate security teams explicitly require this kind of knowledge.

Take Action Today

Start with 3 steps
  1. Check Japan's National Police Agency and National Consumer Affairs Center websites once a month for the latest scam methods.
  2. Look through your social media friends list — has anyone recently sent an unusual DM with investment advice or a random URL?
  3. Share the latest scam tactics with your family and make a habit of consulting each other about suspicious calls or messages.

Summary

Online crime tactics include tech support scams, account hijacking, crypto fraud, impersonation, harassment, and illegal job recruitment. A simple rule blocks most of them: "Too good to be true" or "anyone trying to rush you" — be suspicious. Share these tactics with your family and never handle a suspicious situation alone.

Check A typical net crime is closest to?

Related articles

PreviousIntro to Encryption NextCybercrime in the AI Era RelatedHow to Use AI Chat Safely RelatedWhat Is ChatGPT? A Beginner's Guide for Teens
← Back to Security