2016/11/19
This is the 22nd issue of our training newsletter.
On Saturday, November 19, from 18:00 to 20:00, we welcomed Kuniko Nito from the Counseling Division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Comprehensive Consumer Center to lead a session titled "Scams Targeting Older Adults: Common Tactics, Warning Signs, and How to Respond."
It is easy to think, "Consumer scams have nothing to do with me" or "I will be fine," but scam tactics are becoming increasingly unscrupulous, and anyone can be deceived. More older adults approaching retirement and planning the next stage of their lives are falling victim to scams. Here are some common tactics to watch out for.
① Financial investment scams: Never sign a contract with a business that promises guaranteed profits. If you do not fully understand the offer, firmly decline.
② Real estate investment scams: To avoid becoming a victim, do not readily believe promises of easy profits. Rather than signing a contract immediately, consult family members or someone you trust.
③ One-click billing scams: Avoid visiting suspicious websites or clicking unfamiliar links. Do not panic and contact the website operator. If you receive a bill for something you did not knowingly agree to purchase, ignore it.
④ Refund scams: Refunds are not issued by having you operate an ATM. Be wary of anyone who asks you to use one. Contact the relevant public agency directly to confirm whether the organization the caller claims to represent exists and whether it has contacted you about a refund.
⑤ Worthless land sales scams: Do not simply take the seller's word for it. Investigate the condition of the land before signing a contract and consider the offer carefully. For door-to-door or telephone sales, you can cancel under the cooling-off system within eight days.
⑥ Online and mail-order shopping problems: Before making a purchase, always save the seller's business information.
⑦ Fraudulent inspection sales
⑧ High-pressure group sales
⑨ Impersonation scams
⑩ Flattery-based sales tactics
⑪ Prize notification scams⑫ Bank transfer scams
⑬ Unsolicited goods scams⑭ Home renovation problems
⑮ Problems involving private residential care homes, and more
There are many different types of fraudulent and exploitative sales practices.
