Question from a reader:
I’ll give you 50 coins. Recently, I almost applied for a giveaway project for Proseka, but I decided to withdraw halfway through. After that, I received a message from the other party saying, “I will proceed with this (regarding the disclosure request), is that okay?” Is it okay to ignore them and block & delete them? Or
should I apply if they don’t specifically ask for personal information? I’m troubled because I received a similar reply even after apologizing twice.
Introduction
Recently, there has been an increase in giveaway projects and campaigns on the internet, but along with that, scams and troubles have also risen. In particular, interactions on social media and messages from unknown accounts require caution. This time, based on the situation faced by the questioner, I will provide an analysis from a legal perspective and practical advice.
Background of the Question and Situation Analysis
It seems that the questioner applied for a giveaway project for Proseka and then decided to withdraw. After withdrawing, they received a message saying, “I will proceed with this (regarding the disclosure request), is that okay?” which indicates they are feeling suspicious. What is important here is the intent of the other party and the legitimacy of their actions.
What is a Disclosure Request?
A disclosure request is a legal procedure to obtain specific information, usually based on personal information protection laws and related regulations. For example, if personal information has been obtained unlawfully, one can request that the information be disclosed. However, it is highly questionable how the other party intends to make the disclosure request and whether it is legitimate.
Analysis of the Other Party’s Actions
The message received by the questioner, “Is it okay if I proceed with the disclosure request?” contains elements of intimidation. Such messages often leave the other party’s intent unclear and can be used as a means of threat or extortion.
Legal Advice
Now, let’s take a closer look at the risks and legal rights the questioner is facing.
1. Options for Ignoring and Blocking
The action the questioner is considering, “to ignore and block & delete,” is not particularly problematic from a legal standpoint. If the other party is making unlawful demands or threats, not engaging is the safest option. Social media and messaging apps have blocking features, which can be used to avoid unpleasant interactions.
2. Managing Personal Information
If the other party requests personal information, there is no obligation to disclose that information under personal information protection laws. If you do not want your personal information to be known, it is important to manage your information appropriately and not provide more information than necessary.
3. How to Deal with Threats
If the other party engages in threatening behavior, especially if they are seeking monetary gain, it may be worth consulting the police. Threatening behavior can constitute a crime, and legal action can be taken if necessary.
Preventive Measures and Cautions
Next, let’s consider preventive measures to avoid similar troubles in the future.
1. Distinguishing Trustworthy Accounts
When participating in giveaway projects or campaigns, it is important to verify the reliability of the account. Check if it is an official account, look at the number of followers and past posts, and refrain from applying if there are any suspicious points.
2. Protecting Personal Information
When providing personal information online, it is essential to confirm how the other party will use that information. In particular, try to limit personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers to the minimum necessary.
3. Knowing How to Handle Troubles
In case a trouble occurs, it is helpful to think in advance about how to respond. For example, rather than directly engaging with the other party, consulting a third party can often lead to a more calm resolution.
Real Cases and Lessons
Here, I will introduce a few actual cases and consider the lessons learned from them.
Case 1: SNS Scam
A user participated in a giveaway project on social media and received a notification of winning. However, they later encountered a scam where they were asked for personal information and payment details. In this case, the user suffered damage because they provided personal information without verifying whether the other party’s account was trustworthy.
Lesson
The lesson learned from this case is that one should be cautious in online interactions. Especially when participating in giveaway projects or campaigns, it is important to verify whether the account is genuine and check past achievements.
Case 2: Receiving Threatening Emails
In another case, a user was threatened with “unpaid” demands for money after purchasing precious metals or products. In this instance, the other party attempted to unlawfully extract money, but the user maintained a firm attitude, ignored the threats, and ultimately resolved the situation by consulting the police.
Lesson
From this case, we learn that ignoring threatening behavior and consulting the police if necessary is important. Acting appropriately without fear ultimately leads to protecting oneself.
Conclusion
The situation faced by the questioner is very anxiety-inducing, and especially when receiving threatening messages, it can be difficult to decide how to respond. However, from a legal standpoint, ignoring and blocking is not problematic, and it is crucial not to provide more information than necessary. Furthermore, to prevent future troubles, it is essential to distinguish trustworthy accounts, manage personal information appropriately, and know how to handle troubles. The online world is very convenient, but it also comes with risks. Acquiring knowledge to use it wisely and safely will help avoid future troubles.
