What happened
Japanese police accounts, including Noda Police (@NodaPolice110), warned on X on 13 November 2026 about text messages that use the sender name "NPA" (National Police Agency) and claim that fraud is on the rise, urging recipients to download an anti-fraud app from a link. According to the warning graphic, the link opens a fake copy of the police agency's "recommended apps" page with a download button that does not exist on the real page, then a screen styled as Google Play that pushes an APK posing as the anti-fraud app "詐欺対策 by NTTタウンページ" (NTT Town Page). The graphic's final screens show the fake app requesting a VPN connection and full control of the device, which can let criminals take over the phone. The National Police Agency and NTT Town Page are being impersonated and are not involved; the police say they never send SMS asking people to install apps. Install police-recommended apps only through the links on the National Police Agency's official website or the official app stores.
How the scam works
Messages that claim to come from the police or another government service, especially about a fine, a refund or an investigation, are a common way to steal card details, identity documents or a login. Real agencies do not demand immediate payment by a link in a text, or ask you to type a driving licence and a card number on a look-alike page. Go to the official website or app you already use, or call a number from a statement or a government directory, not from the message. If you entered card or document details, contact your bank and report the texts to your national CERT or police cyber unit.
Source
Source: https://x.com/NodaPolice110/status/2121106677332320511 (@NodaPolice110, Nov 13, 2026, 12:03 AM ET)
