Consideration to Suspend ‘Deemed Contracts’ for International Calls; Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Establishes Working Group on Special Fraud Countermeasures

Key points

On November 2, 2026, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications established a working group (WG) to discuss measures against the misuse of international calls. The WG is considering suspending the 'deemed contracts' that automatically include international calling on fixed-line phones and making international calling an optional service for those who need it. In 2025, damages from special fraud totaled about 320 billion yen, with 80% involving phone calls and over 70% using international phone numbers. The WG plans to compile an interim report in early 2027. It is especially important not to answer or return calls from unknown international phone numbers. [1] [3] [4]

Current Situation and Scale of Damage from Special Fraud Using International Calls

In 2025, damages recognized by the police from special fraud and investment/romance scams using social media reached approximately 320 billion yen, marking a record high. Of the special fraud cases, 80% involved phone calls, and over 70% used international phone numbers. There has been an increase in sophisticated methods, such as impersonating police officers from overseas bases. Fraud cases from international phone numbers starting with codes like '+1', '+44', and '010' have surged, often exploiting recipients' anxiety to extort money. International phone numbers are indicated by the digits following the '+' at the start of the number; Japan's country code is +81, so caution is advised for calls from other country codes. [1] [2] [3]

Fraud using international phone numbers also includes 'one-ring scams,' where a missed call is left to prompt the recipient to call back, resulting in high charges. High vigilance is required for calls from unknown international numbers. According to the Osaka Prefectural Police, about 60% of phone numbers used in special fraud cases within Osaka Prefecture were international numbers. The police recommend suspending international call usage and using fraud prevention apps on mobile phones. Users are advised not to answer or return calls from unknown international numbers. [2] [5] [6]

Establishment of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Working Group and Considerations

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications established a working group (WG) on November 2, 2026, to address the misuse of international calls in special fraud. The WG is considering suspending the 'deemed contracts' that automatically enable international calling when subscribing to fixed-line phones and making international calling an optional service for those who require it. Implementing this option would require changes to contract terms and related legal adjustments. The WG plans to compile an interim report in early 2027. Minister Hisayuki Fujii expressed intentions to verify and strengthen countermeasures in light of the seriousness of special fraud damages. [1]

Currently, subscribing to a fixed-line phone automatically includes a 'deemed contract' allowing international calls, which has increasingly been exploited in special fraud cases. The government and telecommunications providers have been promoting awareness of procedures to suspend international call usage, but only about 1.4 million lines out of 47 million have applied, indicating insufficient measures. Through WG discussions, more effective system designs are anticipated. International call suspension procedures can be completed at the 'International Call Non-Handling Reception Center,' allowing free suspension of international call sending and receiving on fixed lines. [1] [4]

User Warnings and Recommended Specific Measures

To prevent fraud using international calls, it is important not to answer or return calls from unknown international numbers. The Osaka Prefectural Police and others recommend applying to suspend international call usage on fixed phones and using fraud prevention apps on mobile phones to reduce damages. Mobile phones offer call blocking functions and apps that warn about suspicious calls. Fixed phones have security features such as number display and answering machines. Users are encouraged to utilize these functions to reduce the risk of fraud. [5] [6]

Additionally, international phone numbers are indicated by the digits following the '+' at the start of the number; Japan's country code is +81. Calls from other country codes require caution, and ignoring calls from unfamiliar international numbers is recommended. Procedures to suspend international call usage are accepted at the 'International Call Non-Handling Reception Center,' allowing free suspension of sending and receiving international calls on fixed phones. Users are urged to actively use these systems and services to prevent fraud damages. [3] [4] [6]