Question from a reader:
I am troubled about a person I suspect may be involved in fraud. While working in real estate leasing at my previous job, I dealt with a man who contracted under a corporate name. During our interactions, he made unreasonable demands and pursued responsibilities beyond what is typical, and although the contract and move-in process concluded without
incident, I had a very unpleasant experience. Later, when I searched his full name on Google, I found multiple pieces of information suggesting he might be involved in fraud, sites planning lawsuits, and people tracking his whereabouts on social media (I was able to confirm his face photo as well). As a result, I was torn between whether to provide information due to the suspicion of fraud or to ignore it and remain silent, but I ultimately left that company out of concern for personal information leaks. However, I am still worried, as there are many people who have actually suffered damage, and the amounts involved are significant, leaving me with regrets about whether I should have taken some action. In this case, I would like to know from experts whether I should convey information from the perspective of personal information protection or keep it to myself until the grave, and whether I might be charged with a crime instead.

Whether to Provide Information About a Suspected Fraudster

Recently, a reader reached out with the dilemma of whether to provide information about a person suspected of fraud. This is a very complex issue that requires examination from both legal and psychological perspectives.

Understanding the Situation

First, let’s clarify the reader’s situation. While working in real estate leasing at their previous job, they had interactions with a man who contracted under a corporate name. They were troubled by his unreasonable demands and pursuit of responsibilities, which ultimately led them to leave that company. Furthermore, upon searching his full name on Google, they found numerous pieces of information suggesting he might be involved in fraud. This is indeed a very unsettling situation. Particularly, it is understandable that the reader developed a sense of caution towards him, given that his behavior and demands were beyond the norm. Having also worked in sales, I fully understand the psychological burden one faces when confronted with such situations. There are times when unreasonable demands arise while trying to meet customer needs.

Considerations from the Perspective of Personal Information Protection

Now, what is important here is the issue of “personal information protection.” The reader’s concern about the risk of personal information leaks is influencing their feelings about providing information. Under Japan’s Personal Information Protection Law, consent from the individual is required when providing personal information to a third party. However, this case is somewhat different. Providing information about a person suspected of fraud is generally considered a “public interest activity” and is often deemed legal. In other words, sharing information to prevent others from becoming victims may not contradict the intent of the Personal Information Protection Law. However, it is crucial to ensure that the information provided is based on “facts.” If false information is disseminated, it could lead to defamation, so careful judgment is necessary.

Options for Providing Information

In the situation faced by the reader, several options can be considered. 1. Provide Information If the reader has specific, fact-based information to share, reporting it to the police or relevant authorities could be an option. In doing so, it is important to remain calm and convey the facts without becoming emotional. Being able to clearly explain their experience and the man’s behavior will enhance credibility. 2. Record Information If taking immediate action is difficult, another option is to record the information and monitor the situation moving forward. Information about a suspected fraudster could be useful later. If new reports of damage arise in the future, they could share their experience based on that. 3. Consult an Expert Consulting with legal professionals or consumer affairs centers is also a viable option. If there are concerns about whether their expression or actions may violate the law, seeking professional advice can provide peace of mind.

Risks of Being Charged with a Crime

It is also necessary to consider the concern about whether providing information could lead to the reader being charged with a crime. Generally, if the information provided is based on facts and care is taken to avoid defamation or invasion of privacy, the legal risks are low. However, intentionally spreading false information could fall under defamation or obstruction of business, so caution is warranted. Specifically, when disseminating information on social media or forums, it is important to avoid damaging the other person’s reputation. Additionally, sharing their experience as “something I actually experienced” is relatively safe. However, they should avoid becoming overly emotional and using exaggerated expressions.

In Conclusion

Reflecting on the options regarding information provision, it is essential to empathize with the reader’s feelings. Taking some action against a person suspected of fraud may help protect others. However, it is important to act while maintaining composure. They should be cautious not to make erroneous judgments driven by their emotions or fears. Above all, seeking the opinion of legal experts will help create a more secure environment for taking action. When faced with such situations, everyone feels anxiety. However, I hope they can muster the courage to take a step forward, believing that their experience may help others.