Question from a Reader:
“I’m having trouble with a purchase on the online shopping site ‘like.’ I entered my information without thinking while drinking, and I ended up pressing the purchase button. A few minutes later, I realized something was off and regretted it. I only entered my email address and address, and the payment method is ‘Stripe Gateway,’ but I’ve
never used this site before, and I haven’t actually made a payment. There was no place to enter credit card information, so I think that part is okay. In this situation, is there anything I should be cautious about or actions I should take? Also, if I do nothing and leave it as is, what kind of damage could occur? For now, I plan to change the passwords for services related to my email address.
Introduction
Recently, as online shopping has rapidly become popular, while it allows for easy purchasing of products, the risks of trouble and fraud have also increased. In this article, we will provide specific advice in response to the reader’s question, detailing how to handle personal information in online shopping and what to do if you accidentally enter information on a fraudulent site.
Risks and Precautions When Entering Information
Shopping online is convenient, but it requires caution, especially when under the influence of alcohol. There is a risk of unintentionally entering personal information. In cases like this, where email addresses and addresses are entered, the following risks exist.
Leakage of Personal Information
The personal information entered on the shopping site could potentially be used by malicious entities. In particular, email addresses are often targeted for spam emails and phishing scams, so caution is necessary. While you mentioned that you did not enter credit card information, the risk of your address and email being misused still remains.
Possibility of Fraud
On fraudulent shopping sites, once you enter your information, it can be difficult to verify later whether the site actually exists or is legitimate. There may be instances where products are sent to you, or you receive a bill later.
Future Actions
For future actions, here are some specific pieces of advice.
Change Your Passwords
First, it is very important to change the passwords for services related to your email address. This is especially crucial if you use the same password across multiple sites, as that increases the risk. It is strongly recommended to use different passwords for different services.
Be Cautious of Spam Emails
In the future, you may receive billing emails or promotional emails from the shopping site. These should be ignored. However, since there is also a possibility of phishing scams, avoid clicking on links in the emails or replying to them.
Be Cautious About Address Usage
If you entered your address, there is a possibility that products may be sent to that address. This could include cash-on-delivery items, so it is important to refuse delivery. Additionally, if you live with others, you should alert them as well.
Legal Perspective Analysis
Having legal knowledge can be helpful in dealing with such situations. Below are some considerations from a legal standpoint.
Understanding the Personal Information Protection Law
Japan’s Personal Information Protection Law establishes rules regarding the handling of personal information. If a shopping site does not properly protect personal information, there may be legal accountability. However, if users voluntarily provide information, the risk may fall on them.
Where to Consult About Fraud Victimization
If you do become a victim of fraud, you can consult consumer centers or the police. The Consumer Affairs Agency’s website contains information about consumer troubles. They also accept reports regarding fraudulent sites, so feel free to use it if necessary.
Actual Case Studies
Here are some examples of cases where individuals fell victim to fraudulent sites.
Case 1: Example of a Cash-on-Delivery Item Received
A man completed a purchase on a site selling popular products at low prices. Although payment was supposed to be made by credit card, he never received the product. Instead, a cash-on-delivery item was sent, and he was pressured to pay for it. Ultimately, the man refused to accept it, but he continued to receive bills from that shopping site. In such cases, consulting a consumer center helped him find a way to address the issue.
Case 2: Increase in Spam Emails
In another case, after entering personal information, there was an increase in spam emails. In particular, he began receiving frequent advertisement emails from overseas shopping sites, and the content was malicious. He reported them as junk mail and set up filters to manage the situation, but initially, he was filled with anxiety.
Preventive Measures and Future Strategies
To avoid similar troubles in the future, here are some preventive measures to consider.
Verify Trustworthy Sites
When using shopping sites, check in advance whether the site is trustworthy. It is important to verify user reviews, reputation, and official safety marks (such as SSL certificates).
Be Careful with Personal Information
Always be cautious about handling personal information and avoid entering more information than necessary. In particular, be careful with addresses and phone numbers.
Regularly Change Passwords
It is recommended to regularly change passwords for online accounts and set up two-factor authentication to enhance security.
Conclusion
In response to this question, we provided advice on actions to take if personal information has been entered, as well as knowledge from a legal perspective. We emphasized the importance of refusing delivery of cash-on-delivery items and the significance of preventive measures for the future. To enjoy online shopping safely, it is essential to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. With solid knowledge, you can shop with confidence and peace of mind.
