FY2023 Summary of Consumer Affairs Inquiries received through PIO-NET

This summary reflects consumer affairs inquiries collected by PIO-NET* in fiscal 2023. Based on the data registered with PIO-NET, NCAC has analyzed trends of consumer affairs inquiries in fiscal 2023.

1. ^*PIO-NET is a database that collects information on inquiries concerning consumer affairs by linking NCAC with local consumer affairs centers and similar organizations across Japan via an online network.

1. Note: The Japanese fiscal year starts in April and concludes in March of the following year.

Trends and characteristics in FY2023

• The total number of inquiries in fiscal 2023 amounted to 890,000 - decreased by about 9,000 from 899,000 in fiscal 2022.
• The breakdown of inquiries by age group of contract signatories shows that the percentage of contract signatories aged 70 or more is 24.2% of all, still representing the highest proportion.
• Compared to fiscal 2022, an increase in the following categories was noticeable: "goods in general" (e.g. delivery of unordered products, fraudulent use); "other services" (e.g. support scam); "four-wheel automobiles" (e.g. defects found after buying a used car); "side jobs, etc." (e.g. signing a contract for a side job after being told "You can make money from posting affiliate links," but now trying to cancel it); and "medical service" (e.g. being recommended expensive cosmetic surgery during a free counseling session).
• The breakdown of inquiries by sales/purchase method shows that "mail order sales including online sales", which accounted for 38.8% of all in fiscal 2023, continued to be the top category.
• The total and average of purchased amount and paid-in amount increased from fiscal 2022. The total of purchased amount in fiscal 2023 was 429,500,000,000 yen (average: 880,000 yen). The total of paid-in amount in fiscal 2023 was 186,100,000,000 yen (average: 480,000 yen).
• According to the breakdown of inquiries by sales tactic, categories of "online shopping" and "subscription" include numerous inquiries about subscription of cosmetics and health food. "At-home sales" includes numerous inquiries about roofing work and repair service. "Telemarketing" includes numerous inquiries about Internet connection service. "Impersonation fraud" includes numerous inquiries about "billing fraud".