Question from a reader:
Is this spam? Or am I in a situation where I have to pay money because it was used without my consent? I’m worried there might be a possibility of fraud.

Is it Spam or Fraud? How to Distinguish and Respond

Recently, I’ve been receiving various emails during my university life. Messages about classes, notes from friends, and
sometimes promotional emails from completely unknown companies. Among these, there are occasionally suspicious contents. In particular, emails that include phrases like “you must pay money” naturally raise my guard. This time, I would like to consider emails that may be spam or fraudulent from a legal perspective.

What is Spam?

Spam refers to emails sent without the consent of the recipient. In many cases, they contain content promoting specific services or products, which are often of no value to the recipient. For example, it is common to receive an email saying, “You have won!” when in reality, you haven’t won anything. It is wise to ignore such emails. So, how can you determine whether an email you received is truly spam? First, check the sender’s address. If it’s from a trustworthy company, it should include an official domain name. On the other hand, emails from free email services or unrelated addresses should be treated with suspicion.

Was it used without my consent? Do I need to pay?

Now, the issue at hand is the part about “being used without consent and having to pay.” Several factors need to be considered regarding this. For instance, if you receive a bill from a service you don’t remember using, it’s important to verify whether that bill is legitimate. Legally speaking, consumers are generally not forced into contracts without their consent. Therefore, even if it is claimed that you used a certain service, unless there is evidence that you agreed to that use, you cannot be compelled to pay. However, it is also true that there are malicious companies that employ fraudulent tactics.

How to Identify Potential Fraud

To identify emails that may be fraudulent, there are several points to consider. For example, language that pressures you or requests personal information is a red flag. Additionally, if a phone number or email address is not clearly stated and the contact information is unclear, it is suspicious. In fact, I was able to calmly analyze such emails using the knowledge I gained from studying psychology at university. Once, I received an email stating, “Your account is being used fraudulently.” At first, I panicked, but upon further reflection, I noticed that the sender’s address was suspicious, and there was no official contact information provided. This experience is a psychological example of a fraud technique that exploits “anxiety and fear,” and I felt it was necessary to be cautious.

How to Respond to Spam or Fraud

So, what should you do if you receive an email that may be spam or fraudulent? First, the most important thing is to avoid clicking on links or replying to the email. This helps prevent the risk of leaking personal information. Next, you can choose to ignore the email and filter it as necessary. Many email services have features to report spam, so using these methods can help prevent future troubles. Furthermore, if you are concerned, consulting a legal advice center or consumer protection agency is also an option. By hearing expert opinions, you can calmly assess the situation and find appropriate responses.

Lessons from Personal Experience

I have also been troubled by many emails since becoming a university student. Particularly, since I started working part-time at a judicial scrivener’s office, I have encountered legal-related matters. One day, a colleague consulted me, saying, “I received this email, what do you think?” The content was from a specific law firm, stating, “We are preparing to file a lawsuit against you.” At first, I felt a mix of surprise and anxiety, but that email also had an unknown sender and lacked contact information. As I analyzed it further, the fraudulent scheme became clear. From this experience, I reaffirmed the importance of calmness and information gathering.

Conclusion

It is essential to remember that some emails may contain spam or the potential for fraud. By making calm judgments and taking necessary measures, you can prevent troubles before they arise. Utilizing knowledge of the law and perspectives from psychology can help you make rational decisions. No matter the situation, it is crucial to remain calm and take the best actions you can. To protect yourself, having sufficient information and response strategies will be key to enjoying a safe university life in the future.