In general the malicious marketing (or unscrupulous marketing) refers to the marketing making money through illicit methods. Below, three examples and the respectivelly countermeasures will be introduced.

1. “Free of charge” inspection marketing is an excuse to enter person’s house

Example: A person who appears to be a seller informs the victim about an “inspection free of charge” and the victim ends up making a request. The victim is informed that “because the humidity, the pilaster is rotting and the house may collapse”. Worried about the situation, the victim ends up subscribing to an expensive exhaust fan contract.

<Main products> Roof reform, water purifier, mattress (futon) and others.

[Points to avoid losses]

• Do not allow unknown people enter your house.
• Do not subscribe to a contract at the time.
• Beware when the seller tries to rush the contract subscription

2. Pertinent marketing  Be careful if someone tells you “undoubtedly you will profit!”

Example: The victim received a call saying that “undoubtedly you will profit!” and the victim ends up purchasing shares not disclosed. However, there are no indications these shares will be listed. After that, it is no longer possible to contact the seller.

<Main products> Foreign currencies, corporative calls, acquisition of rights and others.

[Points to avoid loss]

• Seller’s talk is difficult to believe.
• Firmly refuse proposal of easy profits.
• Beware of “secondary losses” in which the victim is swindled again.

3. One click fraud. Do not panic if you are charged.

Example: The victim tries to watch a free video on internet and, by clicking a button to certify the age, the information will be registered on an adult website and a payment window exhibiting an exorbitant fee of use will be displayed.

[Points to avoid loss]

• Do not insert personal information readily.
• Be careful when clicking buttons.
• Do not call to the company/seller displayed on the screen immediately.
• Do not complete the payment displayed on the screen.

Share your worries and make an inquiry

Consumer’s Hotline TEL: 188

When calling “188”, an announcement will be issued and the call will be redirected to the Municpal Center for Consumer Consultation nearest to your residence or to the Consumer Center of Mie Prefecture.