Results of telephone consultation through "Over-60 Consumer Trouble Dial 110"

In order to help protect the elderly from consumer detriment, the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan (hereinafter called "NCAC") provided a special telephone consultation service "Over-60 Consumer Trouble Dial 110" (hereinafter called "Over-60 Dial 110") on Thursday-Friday, September 13-14, 2018 as part of "the joint campaign to protect the elderly from detriment" in cooperation with prefectural and major municipal consumer affairs centers in the Kanto and Koshinetsu region in Japan. The following shows results of the telephone consultation.

Overview of Over-60 Dial 110

Official name

Over-60 Consumer Trouble Dial 110

Date

Thursday-Friday, September 13-14, 2018 (time: 10:00-16:00)

Place

Consultation Department, NCAC (through a special phone line installed)

Intended inquiries

those about troubles faced by consumers aged 60 or more (also acceptable from family members or people around the consumer concerned)

Data from aggregate results

Number of consultations

30 cases in total

Common cases

[Case1]

I was told that only communication charges were required for using a tablet, and I concluded a tablet contract. Actually, the tablet is too complicated for me to use, so I want to cancel the contract.

(man in his 70s, self-employed)

[Case2]

I cannot get a breakdown of smartphone charges.

(man in his 70s, unemployed)

[Case3]

I received a postcard titled "final notice of lawsuit". Is it all right if I ignore the postcard?

(woman in her 60s, homemaker)

Advice for consumers

• If you get in trouble over a mobile phone contract, communicate the matter to the mobile phone company right away.
• If you receive a bill that you don't recognize, do not contact the sender.
• If you get suspicious or feel uneasy even slightly, consult your local consumer affairs center before placing an order or paying money.