Question from a reader:
I’m sorry for asking multiple questions. In my last question, I tried to find out where the contact was coming from and whether that company really exists, but I couldn’t find any information regarding INFO something. In this case, is it okay to ignore the message that says “Registration Complete” as soon as I opened the site?
Also, it says that papers will arrive daily or something will come to my home; what should I do about that?
Introduction
In today’s world, where the internet has developed, various information and services have become easily accessible. However, on the other hand, scams and unscrupulous business practices have also increased. The issue faced by the reader is one such example. This time, we will analyze the display of “Registration Complete” and the arrival of mail from a legal perspective, considering how to respond.
About the Establishment of Contracts
First of all, it is necessary to understand how contracts are established on the internet. According to Japanese civil law, a contract is established by the agreement between the parties involved. In other words, for a contract to be established by a certain action, it is important that both parties’ intentions align.
Basic Knowledge About Using Websites
On many websites, users are required to agree to the terms of use when utilizing services. These terms of use contain information about the conditions for establishing a contract, the content of the service, and fees. Simply opening the site does not generally create a contract. In particular, if personal information has not been entered, the business has no right to demand money.
About the “Registration Complete” Display
Regarding the “Registration Complete” display pointed out by the reader, this requires very careful attention. Just because this display appears does not mean that a contract is established at that moment.
What Does “Registration Complete” Mean?
“Registration Complete” generally indicates that the user has completed a procedure, but depending on the content, it may also be a fraudulent method. For example, if the user has not entered personal information, the business cannot unilaterally claim a contract. Therefore, if you have simply opened the site, you can ignore it.
Receiving Mail
Next, let’s consider the daily mail that arrives. If you receive mail when you have no memory of registering, this is a very suspicious situation.
Check the Contents of the Mail
First, let’s check the contents of the mail. It is important to check the envelope and sender’s information to understand what kind of document has arrived. In cases of scams or unscrupulous business practices, the sender’s name or address is often unclear, so caution is necessary.
Request Information
If the company name or information listed in the mail is unclear, one option is to contact the company directly. However, be careful not to easily provide personal information or financial details. A reliable company should respond honestly to inquiries.
Legal Measures
Now, let’s consider how to deal with this from a legal perspective.
Laws Against Unscrupulous Business Practices
In Japan, there are several laws aimed at consumer protection. For example, the “Act on Specified Commercial Transactions” and the “Consumer Contract Act” establish regulations to prevent consumers from suffering disadvantages. The Act on Specified Commercial Transactions requires businesses to provide information to consumers honestly regarding transactions such as telemarketing and door-to-door sales. Additionally, under the Consumer Contract Act, contracts that disadvantage consumers may be deemed invalid.
Consulting Consumer Centers
If you have such doubts or concerns, it is also important to consult a consumer center. Consumer centers have specialized advisors who can provide specific advice and information. In some cases, they may also issue warnings to businesses.
Practical Measures and Preventive Steps
Finally, let’s consider practical measures to avoid encountering similar problems in the future.
Points to Note When Using Websites
1. Caution when entering personal information: To confirm whether a website is trustworthy, research the operating company’s information and user reviews in advance. 2. Check the terms of use: Before using a service, it is important to read and understand the terms of use. Pay particular attention to clauses regarding cancellation or termination. 3. Security measures: To prevent the leakage of personal information online, setting strong passwords and installing security software is also effective.
Response to Mail
1. Calmly check the contents of the mail: If suspicious mail arrives, it is important to first remain calm, check the contents, and keep a record if necessary. 2. The option to ignore: If you determine that the reliability is low, ignoring it is also an option. However, to avoid future troubles, keep a record. 3. Consult appropriate organizations: If you continue to receive contact or mail from suspicious businesses, it is important to consult consumer centers or lawyers to receive appropriate advice.
Conclusion
When using the internet, constant vigilance is necessary. In particular, it is essential to respond carefully to communications or mail from suspicious businesses. By understanding the conditions under which contracts are established and the laws against unscrupulous business practices, you can protect yourself. In cases like this one, where you feel uneasy about the display of “Registration Complete” or the arrival of mail, it is important to calmly analyze the situation and take appropriate measures. If the problem escalates, consulting an expert will allow you to address it with peace of mind.
