Question from a reader:
I recently encountered a scam survey claiming I won the au campaign loyalty program. Because I was half-asleep, I ended up entering personal information like my address and credit card details, but I did not hit the submit button. Is this okay?

Considerations on Scam Surveys: For Those Who Entered Personal Information

Recently, I heard a story from
a friend. He received an email claiming he won the au campaign loyalty program while he was half-asleep and, feeling excited, ended up entering his personal information. However, he realized before pressing the submit button and hurriedly closed his browser. Now, I would like to consider the issue he faced from a legal perspective.

The Mechanism and Dangers of Scams

First, it is important to understand the general mechanism of scam emails and surveys. Scammers use the names and logos of real companies to gain consumer trust. This makes it easier for recipients to enter their information. This tactic is very clever, and especially when one is tired or distracted, it is easy to fall for it. I myself have received similar emails in the past. At first, I was skeptical, but when I actually clicked the link, fear and regret washed over me. While I thought, “I might really have won,” I also felt deep down that “this seems suspicious.” In the end, I ignored that email, but hearing my friend’s experience reassured me that my judgment was correct.

What to Do If You Entered Personal Information

Now, let’s return to the main question. Considering the case of “I entered personal information like my address and credit card details, but I did not submit it,” the conclusion is that if you did not submit it, you are likely safe from actual harm. However, there are a few points to be cautious about.

1. Browser Cache and Cookies

First, it is important to understand how your device stores information. Browsers may temporarily save entered information as cache or cookies. However, this usually only gets transmitted externally when the submit button is pressed. Therefore, if you did not submit, you can generally feel safe. That said, if you still feel uneasy, I recommend reviewing your browser settings and clearing the cache and cookies. I once reset all my browser settings after accessing a suspicious site. It was a hassle at the time, but it was a necessary step to gain peace of mind.

2. Changing or Monitoring Your Email Address

Next, you need to consider the possibility that the email address you entered could be leaked in some way. If it is an address you use regularly, you may become vulnerable to future phishing attacks. Creating a new email address or setting up filters on your existing address to automatically sort suspicious emails is also an option. I once registered on a suspicious site using an email address I used frequently, and since then, I stopped using that address. By creating a new address, I was able to safely resume my online activities.

Legal Considerations

Now, even though you did not submit, there are several aspects to consider from a legal standpoint. If you entered personal information, how does the law protect you? Particularly in Japan, the Personal Information Protection Law applies.

Overview of the Personal Information Protection Law

This law is designed to protect individual rights when handling personal information. It is very interesting to consider how scammers violate this law. For example, collecting personal information without consent and misusing that information clearly violates the law. However, if you entered the information yourself, you may also bear some legal responsibility. Therefore, there is a duty of care required to avoid falling victim to scams. It is essential to think carefully about how you handle your information.

Preparing for Potential Harm

In the unfortunate event that a scammer obtains your information, you should also consider how to respond. If you entered sensitive information like credit card details, it is advisable to contact your card company immediately and request to stop the card’s use. This can help prevent potential harm. Additionally, regularly checking your credit card statements for any suspicious transactions is important. I also check my statements regularly and respond quickly if I see any unfamiliar transactions. Once this becomes a habit, it increases your sense of security.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, your experience is common for many people. Almost anyone can find themselves on the verge of falling for a scam email. What is important is to calmly assess the situation and take action to protect yourself. In this case, it was fortunate that you did not submit, but it is crucial to deepen your knowledge of information management and legal matters for the future. Scams are never someone else’s problem. It is vital to remain vigilant and continue to have the knowledge necessary for a safe online life. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I hope you remember this article. Taking action to protect yourself is the most important thing.