Question from a reader:
Is it possible for fraudulent companies to advertise on Yahoo! Chiebukuro? I feel like there are many suspicious-looking ones. For example, I have some doubts about claims like “100% guaranteed to earn” or “you can easily make money.” What is the reality of the situation?

Fraudulent Advertisements on Yahoo! Chiebukuro: A Legal Perspective

Introduction

Hello, everyone. Recently,
while using Yahoo! Chiebukuro, have you noticed those suspicious-looking advertisements? Especially phrases like “100% guaranteed to earn” or “you can easily make money!” Honestly, they seem quite dubious, don’t they? This time, I would like to explore whether such advertisements actually exist and how dangerous they can be from a legal standpoint.

Do fraudulent advertisements actually exist?

First of all, to be blunt, fraudulent advertisements do indeed exist. I have personally encountered people who, after investing in a certain online business based on a friend’s recommendation, ended up gaining nothing. Even now, I think I should have trusted my instincts when I felt something was “suspicious.” Platforms like Yahoo! Chiebukuro allow anyone to share information. However, on the flip side, malicious businesses can exploit this gap to advertise. If an advertisement looks suspicious, especially if it uses phrases like “100%” or “easy,” caution is warranted. Such expressions are typical tactics to attract customers and often bear little resemblance to reality.

From a legal perspective…

Now, let’s consider this from a legal standpoint. In Japan, there is a law called the “Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.” This law prohibits false or exaggerated advertising to prevent consumer misunderstanding. In other words, if a company claims “100% guaranteed to earn,” it could be illegal if that information is not accurate. However, the problem lies in who determines that “accuracy.” For example, even if a certain business model has the potential to be profitable, its success depends on individual abilities and circumstances. This gives advertisers some leeway for excuses. This is also what makes it difficult to discern fraudulent activities.

Let’s look at some specific examples

Here, let’s provide a specific example. One day, I saw an advertisement on social media claiming “you can easily earn 1 million yen a month with this information product.” Intrigued, I decided to investigate further. It turned out that the product was mainly about investments and only had a small disclaimer stating “investment is at your own risk.” In short, while it might be profitable if things go well, there was also a possibility of losing everything if things didn’t work out. In such cases, the advertisement itself might be legally borderline acceptable, but in reality, many people end up being deceived. Information related to investments requires accuracy and reliability, so to avoid being swayed by such advertisements, it is essential to gather information independently.

Points to identify fraudulent advertisements

So, how can you identify fraudulent advertisements in practice? Keep the following points in mind.

1. Be wary of exaggerated claims

If you see terms like “100%” or “easy,” approach with skepticism. Especially, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually has hidden pitfalls.

2. Look for other reviews

Search for reviews from other people about the product or service. Opinions from sources other than the official site are particularly important. If many people have had similar experiences, the advertisement may be suspicious.

3. Consult experts

If you are seriously interested in the business, consulting an expert can be a good approach. Talking to someone knowledgeable about investment or business law can help you make informed decisions.

Lessons learned from my experiences

In fact, I know people who have been deceived by fraudulent advertisements. I heard a story from a friend who recommended a “great information product,” but ended up losing money. At that time, I was somewhat interested, but I’m glad I decided against it after hearing about my friend’s failure. From such experiences, I have come to realize the importance of honing my judgment. Money is a valuable asset and not something that comes easily, so it is essential to acquire knowledge to protect oneself.

Conclusion

Finally, let me summarize my views on the fraudulent advertisements seen on Yahoo! Chiebukuro. Fraudulent advertisements do exist, and those that look suspicious require extra caution. While there are some regulations from a legal standpoint, the difficulty in making judgments means that consumers must carefully scrutinize information themselves. To protect yourself and your family, it is crucial to verify information with your own eyes and gather other opinions. Discussions about investments and businesses should be approached with particular caution. Aim to make calm judgments without jumping in impulsively. I will also continue to leverage my experiences and make sure to thoroughly investigate anything that seems suspicious. Please be careful as well!