“High-Paying Job in Japan” SMS Offers Are on the Rise – Watch Out for Scams Using Real Company Names
18 Jul 2025 10:57
🚨 Beware of Job Scams Sent via SMS or Messenger Apps
Lately, there has been a sharp increase in fraudulent job offers sent via SMS (text messages) and messaging apps. These messages often pretend to be from legitimate companies and use enticing phrases like “high salary,” “start today,” or “job guaranteed” to lure job seekers.
We have recently received several inquiries at our support desk regarding suspicious SMS messages claiming to be from WENOtech Inc. (the company operating HirePlanner.com) and urging recipients to register and communicate via LINE.
This issue is not unique to us — similar scams impersonating major job boards and recruitment firms have also been widely reported online and on social media. These fraudulent messages often use real company names and recruiter titles, making them especially deceptive and hard to spot.
🚫 If You Receive Such Messages, Please:
- Do not reply
- Do not click on any links
- Report the ID or sender’s information to the appropriate platform
- Delete the message immediately and block the sender
🔍 How Do These Scams Work?
Here are the most common tactics used in fake job SMS or messenger scams:
- Impersonating real companies and recruiters
e.g., “I’m a recruiter from XYZ Corporation” or “This is John from HR. at Company Name” - Offering unrealistically high salary and compensation
e.g., “Over ¥30,000 per day,” “Earn over ¥600,000/month from home” — these numbers are intentionally exaggerated. - Pushing for immediate contact via LINE or other messenger apps
e.g., “Please contact me on LINE right away,” or “Details will be shared via LINE.”
These messages often sound polite and professional, increasing the chances that job seekers — especially those actively looking for opportunities — may fall for them.
🧪 TRANSLATION OF AN EXAMPLE OF A JAPANESE SCAM MESSAGE
"Apologies for the sudden message. My name is Haruka Yamamoto, a recruiter at WENOtech Inc. (or another company). We came across your resume on various job platforms and believe your background is an excellent match for our open position. This is a remote opportunity (part-time/full-time) involving updating partner data and increasing exposure/bookings. Free training provided.
Income Estimate: ¥10,000–¥20,000 / day. During the trial period, a base salary of ¥100,000 will be paid, with bonuses every five days. After the trial, the monthly salary will be ¥800,000.
Requirements:
• Must be 23 years or older
• If interested, please contact me on LINE: uen765"
🚩 WHY THIS IS CLEARLY A SCAM
❌ Unrealistic High Pay
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Promises like “Earn ¥800,000/month with no experience” are clear red flags. These fake offers are designed to prey on vulnerable individuals looking for financial relief or remote work.
❌ Vague Job Descriptions
Statements like “update data to increase visibility” are deliberately vague. Additionally, you should remember that real employers don’t reach out on SNS without prior engagement. They typically contact candidates via email or through a job board platform after an application is submitted. If a job posting focuses only on income and lacks specific responsibilities — it’s suspicious.
❌ Pushing LINE or Messaging App Communication
Legitimate companies don’t start recruitment processes on LINE, WhatsApp, or similar messenger apps. Official hiring discussions are handled via email or phone, usually from a company domain. If you're asked to move the conversation off a trusted job platform — that’s once again a major red flag.
❌ Using Free Email Accounts (e.g., Gmail)
Professional and reliable recruiters will NOT contact you from Gmail or other free email domains. Legitimate companies use official corporate email addresses, and you can usually verify the company’s identity by checking their domain and website.
🔍 How to Spot and Avoid Job Scams
If you ever receive a message that feels “off,” immediately stop engaging and verify before responding.
Here’s what you should check:
- Google the Company Name and the Recruiter Name
Look up the company, recruiter, or LINE ID. If it's a scam, you will most likely be able to find Scam warnings (they are often posted online).
- Check the Official Careers Page
Legitimate companies post jobs on their own websites or reputable job boards using applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Avoid Contacts Using Only LINE, WhatsApp, or Free Emails
Genuine employers use company emails with their official URL domain (e.g., recruit@companydomainname.co.jp). If the only point of contact is LINE, be careful.
- Watch for Urgency or Payment Requests
Scams often try to pressure you to act fast (“Apply now!”) or ask for upfront fees. These are major red flags.
If ever in doubt, don’t click anything, do not reply — instead, visit the company’s official site and contact them directly. If the offer is real, it will most likely be available on their official website (careers site).
💬 What to Do If You Responded to a Scam Message
Even if you've already replied or added the sender on LINE by mistake — here’s what to do immediately:
1. Delete the Contact and Block the Sender
- End communication as soon as you feel unsure.
- Block the sender on LINE or SMS and report them to LINE and your mobile provider.
2. Run a Security Scan on Your Phone
📱 For iPhone (iOS):
• iPhones are generally secure, but always update to the latest iOS version.
• Enable “Filter Unknown Senders” in Settings > Messages.
• Install security apps such as Norton Mobile Security or Lookout if needed. These apps can offer features like web protection, Wi-Fi security, and anti-theft features.
📱 For Android:
• Android is more flexible and open to third-party apps, so scanning is essential.
How to Use "Google Play Protect":
• Open The "Play Store” App
• Tap on the profile icon on the top right and press “Play Protect” > “Scan” button
• A warning will be displayed if there are any suspicious apps on your phone you should be concerned about
You can use a security app for more in-depth scans such as:
• Norton Mobile Security
• Avast Mobile Security
• McAfee Mobile Security
• Lookout SecurityThese apps help detect viruses, phishing, and unsafe apps.
3. Fraud Prevention & Communication Policy Notice
Consult or report to the police or the anti-phishing council. It is very important to notify them and provide them with the right information so that they can notify the public and protect others from becoming victims of such scams.
🏢 Police:
• Contact your local police station
• Or call the cybercrime hotline: #9110
• Some prefectures allow online reporting
• Share the message content you receive and include the sender info, URLs, Phone Number, and any other details that you think may be relevant to share with them.
🛡 Anti-Phishing Council (Japan):
• Report via form at: https://www.antiphishing.jp/report/
• Provide the message text, URL, screenshots, and time of receipt
• They’ll investigate and may request domain shutdown
4. Save Screenshots as Evidence
• Contact your local police station
• Or call the cybercrime hotline: #9110
• Some prefectures allow online reporting
• Share the message content you receive and include the sender info, URLs, Phone Number, and any other details that you think may be relevant to share with them.
🛡 Anti-Phishing Council (Japan):
• Report via form at: https://www.antiphishing.jp/report/
• Provide the message text, URL, screenshots, and time of receipt
• They’ll investigate and may request domain shutdown
4. Save Screenshots as Evidence
Why save screenshots?
• 📂 Keep evidence for the police or reporting agencies
• 🛡 Proof to protect yourself if your info was compromised
• 📢 Share with coworkers/friends to raise awareness
Remember to be careful with personal info in screenshots: Remember to blur or edit out any sensitive or private data before sharing. Store securely in the cloud or on your PC — not just your phone.
• 📂 Keep evidence for the police or reporting agencies
• 🛡 Proof to protect yourself if your info was compromised
• 📢 Share with coworkers/friends to raise awareness
Remember to be careful with personal info in screenshots: Remember to blur or edit out any sensitive or private data before sharing. Store securely in the cloud or on your PC — not just your phone.
📚 To learn more about the risks of engaging with scammers offering Yami Baito (shady jobs), check out this related article we published earlier:
🚨 IMPORTANT Message to Job Seekers:
At WENOtech Inc. (provider of HirePlanner.com), your privacy and security are our highest priorities. With the recent surge in fraudulent job-related messages appearing on social media and messaging apps, we want to remind you of a few important safety guidelines:
🎙️ How We Communicate
WENOtech / HirePlanner will NEVER contact job seekers via:
- LINE
- Facebook Messenger
- SMS (text messages)
⚠️We DO NOT use personal messaging apps to send job offers, request personal information, ask for registration, or demand any form of payment.
All official communication from us is conducted only through:
- The HirePlanner.com platform
- Emails sent from the hireplanner.com domain
- Your registered email address
💸 Always Free for Job Seekers
We will never charge you to:
- Register on our platform
- Apply for jobs
- Secure job placements
If you’re asked to pay any fees — it’s a scam.
🔐 Your Privacy Is Protected
We implement strict security protocols to protect your personal data. Your information is handled securely and used only for its intended purpose, in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
⚠️ If You Receive a Suspicious Message:
- Do not respond
- Do not click on any links
- Do not share any personal or financial information
- Block and report the sender on the relevant app or platform
- Delete the message
- If unsure, contact us and report directly at: support@hireplanner.com
🛡 Stay Safe, Stay Informed
We are committed to providing a safe, transparent, and trustworthy environment for all job seekers. While these types of scams are unacceptable, the best defense is awareness.
If you encounter a suspicious message, please don’t engage — and help others by sharing this information with them. We’ll continue doing our part to educate and support you, so you can focus on finding the right career opportunity with confidence.
⚠️ Disclaimer
WENOtech Co., Ltd. / HirePlanner.com are not responsible for any losses, damages, or issues arising from third-party scams or fraudulent individuals falsely claiming to represent us.
To protect yourself, always verify the legitimacy of any job-related communication, and never interact with messages or contacts outside of our official channels.
Stay vigilant. Stay safe.
— The HirePlanner Team
— The HirePlanner Team
