It Looks Like Easy Money. Until It Isn't! Think Twice! Stay Safe!

5 Side Jobs Foreigners in Japan Should Avoid

For foreigners living in Japan, finding a little extra income can be important.

That is exactly why illegal recruiters often make their offers sound harmless:

“Just a few hours.”
“No experience required.”
“Work from your phone.”
“¥30,000–¥50,000 for one day.”

The problem is that you may not know what you are actually helping someone do.

A job that starts with “just one small task” can turn into a much bigger problem.

⚠️ 1. “Use your phone to verify an account”

Someone offers money for using your smartphone to complete an online verification or registration.

They may say:

“We have too many accounts to verify. You just need to help us.”

But your face, ID, phone number, or other personal information could be used to create accounts in your name.

Once your identity is attached to something illegal, explaining that you were “just helping” may not be enough.

⚠️ 2. “Open an account, and we’ll pay you”

A stranger may offer ¥10,000–¥30,000 for opening an online service account, e-wallet, payment account, or other financial service.

You are told:

“You don't need to use it. We only need the account.”

That should be an immediate red flag.

Your identity can become the front door through which someone else conducts fraudulent transactions.

⚠️ 3. “Leave a few reviews”

Fake review jobs can sound completely harmless:

“Order this product, leave a five-star review, and we'll reimburse you.”

Or:

“Give us access to your account, and we'll post reviews for you.”

Manipulating ratings or creating fake customer activity can violate platform rules and may become part of a larger fraudulent operation.

A small payment is not worth attaching your name or account to dishonest activity.

⚠️ 4. “Receive money and keep your commission”

Another tempting offer:

“We will send ¥100,000 to your account. Send ¥90,000 to another account and keep ¥10,000.”

It sounds like a simple payment-processing job.

But why would a legitimate business need a stranger's personal account to move its money?

If the money comes from fraud or another illegal activity, you may become an intermediary in the transaction without fully understanding what is happening.

⚠️ 5. “We need your residence card for a little while”

Never hand over your residence card, passport, My Number-related documents, or other identification documents simply because someone promises you money.

A recruiter may claim:

“We only need it to check your information.” 

Or:

“You will get cashback as a part of a campaign.”

But copies or images of your identification can potentially be misused for applications, registrations, impersonation, or other fraudulent purposes.

🚩 The biggest warning sign

If someone tells you:

“Don't ask questions.”
“It's completely safe.”
“Everyone does it.”
“Don't tell anyone.”
“Your name won't be involved.”

—that is exactly when you should walk away.

A legitimate employer should be able to explain what you are doing, who you are working for, why your personal information is needed, and how you will be paid.

💙 Choose safe and legitimate services

At Brastel, we take the security of our customers, their personal information, and their money very seriously.

Whether you are sending money overseas or using a communication service, always make sure you are dealing directly with the official service provider.

Important: Brastel My 050 is not sold or registered through agents, individuals, social-media accounts, or third-party sellers. The My 050 voice service is available online exclusively through the official Brastel website.

If someone approaches you claiming they can sell, register, or arrange a My 050 number for you outside the official website, be careful. Do not give them your ID documents, personal information, passwords, or payment details.

The same principle applies to money transfers. Never allow an unknown person to use your identity, account, or personal information to move money on your behalf.

When sending money overseas, use a trusted and legitimate remittance service with proper security and compliance procedures.

Your money deserves protection. Your identity deserves protection.

Remit safely. Remit with Brastel. 💙

A quick ¥30,000 may sound attractive today. Protecting your identity, your finances, and your future in Japan is worth much more.