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We would like to take a moment to touch on a important topic regarding payment-in-advance of receiving a service.
Most of the transactions in Japan are done with cash and in-person when you enter a shop or when the provider arrives at your hotel room. There are a few legitimate agencies that take credit cards where you pay in advance, but we highly recommend that all clients stick to cash to avoid troubles and in some cases, a record of your activity, if you care about being found out.
As the tourists have returned to Japan, so have the baiting scam services that are operated by people not even in Japan. We have recently started seeing these scam sites pop up, promising you a glorious time but in reality, they're just taking your money without any potential recourse. These funds are sent to a country where nobody cares if you got your money taken or not...
This goes inline with the scams originating from message apps such as WhatsApp, LINE, Telegram, etc. This scam usually starts with some good looking woman that just happens to be close to your neighborhood and "Maybe we can meetup?". The next line that usually follows is something along the lines of "For my safely, can you pay 20,000 yen first?" which is then followed by sending you to a local store to get a prepaid gift card for whatever service. You then send the gift card code and the scam is over, you lost and they are 20,000 yen richer. These people behind the screen are mostly men using stolen photos to take your money. (Sometimes, women are involved to bait you in videos, but you'll never meet them...) There are several variations of the SNS scams that many of us have seen first hand... Just like those deposed King of Nigeria or Nigerian Prince (etc.) messages you used to see in your emails, same story, different delivery method.
The versions that we have been seeing more of are usually escort booking sites that promise you a Japanese model for ~$500 USD/1 Hour. However, you have to pay the pre-booking fee of $100 USD first. Again, that's the scam and they have won once you send the$100 booking reservation fee $100 donation/free money. You'll never meet a Japanese model and likely to remain alone in your room... missing that $100 USD you just tossed into the void.
At least in Japan, deposits or pre-booking fees are rare and not standard. If you do not feel comfortable with the deposit/booking fee, do not pay it. There are plenty of other options out there that do not have as many hoops to jump through.
Finally - There will be more and more 'English' sites for foreigners only. These are sometimes real and sometimes fake. The real ones are usually overcharging you whereas you could book a normal service for a lesser cost.
There are some foreigner tax fees for some places like Soaplands, but those can be avoided with as many options as there are out there these days. It's not 1995 or 2005 anymore, the market has transformed and people are much more inclined to get your money.
In summary, a list of DO NOTS:
Do Not
Use a Credit Card (If you have to use a credit card, use the cash advance option)
Show your Actual ID or Work Information (LinkedIn, Business Card). (It is 100% not required for usual services) [EXCEPTION: Happening Bars have different requirements for insurance cards and passports, this is non-negotiable if you want entry.]
Pre-Pay Services EXCEPT for those where you visit the shop yourself and make a reservation (eg. Soaplands)
Fall for Messaging Scams via SNS sites/apps.
Thanks for reading, please be cautious. Japan is only friendly on the service and when you scratch down a few layers, you will find that it is not what you would have expected...
No woman is just going to drop into your lap unless she's drunk at the local HUB. Don't believe for a minute these online tricks are going to do anything more than just take your money.
Most of the transactions in Japan are done with cash and in-person when you enter a shop or when the provider arrives at your hotel room. There are a few legitimate agencies that take credit cards where you pay in advance, but we highly recommend that all clients stick to cash to avoid troubles and in some cases, a record of your activity, if you care about being found out.
As the tourists have returned to Japan, so have the baiting scam services that are operated by people not even in Japan. We have recently started seeing these scam sites pop up, promising you a glorious time but in reality, they're just taking your money without any potential recourse. These funds are sent to a country where nobody cares if you got your money taken or not...
This goes inline with the scams originating from message apps such as WhatsApp, LINE, Telegram, etc. This scam usually starts with some good looking woman that just happens to be close to your neighborhood and "Maybe we can meetup?". The next line that usually follows is something along the lines of "For my safely, can you pay 20,000 yen first?" which is then followed by sending you to a local store to get a prepaid gift card for whatever service. You then send the gift card code and the scam is over, you lost and they are 20,000 yen richer. These people behind the screen are mostly men using stolen photos to take your money. (Sometimes, women are involved to bait you in videos, but you'll never meet them...) There are several variations of the SNS scams that many of us have seen first hand... Just like those deposed King of Nigeria or Nigerian Prince (etc.) messages you used to see in your emails, same story, different delivery method.
The versions that we have been seeing more of are usually escort booking sites that promise you a Japanese model for ~$500 USD/1 Hour. However, you have to pay the pre-booking fee of $100 USD first. Again, that's the scam and they have won once you send the
At least in Japan, deposits or pre-booking fees are rare and not standard. If you do not feel comfortable with the deposit/booking fee, do not pay it. There are plenty of other options out there that do not have as many hoops to jump through.
Finally - There will be more and more 'English' sites for foreigners only. These are sometimes real and sometimes fake. The real ones are usually overcharging you whereas you could book a normal service for a lesser cost.
There are some foreigner tax fees for some places like Soaplands, but those can be avoided with as many options as there are out there these days. It's not 1995 or 2005 anymore, the market has transformed and people are much more inclined to get your money.
In summary, a list of DO NOTS:
Do Not
Use a Credit Card (If you have to use a credit card, use the cash advance option)
Show your Actual ID or Work Information (LinkedIn, Business Card). (It is 100% not required for usual services) [EXCEPTION: Happening Bars have different requirements for insurance cards and passports, this is non-negotiable if you want entry.]
Pre-Pay Services EXCEPT for those where you visit the shop yourself and make a reservation (eg. Soaplands)
Fall for Messaging Scams via SNS sites/apps.
Thanks for reading, please be cautious. Japan is only friendly on the service and when you scratch down a few layers, you will find that it is not what you would have expected...
No woman is just going to drop into your lap unless she's drunk at the local HUB. Don't believe for a minute these online tricks are going to do anything more than just take your money.
