One of the aspects of Internet transactions is the lack of a physical product and, due to the anonymity, problems may easily arise. Lately, the number of problematic situations involving foreign companies making online sales aimed to consumers in Japan has increased.

Extreme caution must be taken reagarding a lower price offer compared to the price of a regular sale.

Many problems emerge when consumers are tempted by advertisements, such as “famous brand product is very cheap” and, after the request for advance payment by cash or credit card, you do not receive the product, it is a counterfeit or of lower quality, the color or size is wrong, it is broken, among other problems.

In case of problems, transactions with the foreign company are extremely troublesome.

Be careful if the use or imports into Japan do not break the law

In case you purchase a product from overseas, make sure without fail if the purchase, possession or use of the product is not prohibited or not regulated by law. It is necessary to make sure if the product imported into Japan is prohibited or not by the Washington Convention and others.

Pay attention to the following sorts of websites! Learn how to figure out unreliable websites

• There is no explanation on the company’s track record. Company’s name is not specified.
• Unknown telephone number. Address, telephone number, people in charge and others are not outlined.
• The address overseas is outlined, but the existence of the address is dubious.
• Even there is an address in Japan it is clearly misleading.
• Even there is a telephone number it is a cell phone number or a number that does not exist in Japan.
• Words appear to be literally translated and there are unusual grammar expressions.

In addition to online purchase on foreign websites, even on online auctions or bargain websites (flea market) experiencing a growing number of users, there is no confirmation if the seller is a company.

In case the seller is an individual person, there are no special laws proctecting the consumer. Since in principle the transactions and sales are carried out on one’s own, it is necessary extra caution!

Consultation Service for Issues

JADMA  Japan Direct Marketing Association (Nihon Tsushin Hanbai Kyoukai)

TEL  03-5651-1122*Only in Japanese (10 a.m. to 12 p.m. /1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays/Sundays/Holidays)

http://www.jadma.org/

Consumer’s Hotline 

TEL: 188

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