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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has warned disaster victims to be cautious of fraudulent businesses that exploit their urgency to restore their homes.
In a post, Takaichi said large-scale disasters often create opportunities for unscrupulous businesses to target affected people with inflated repair, towing, and other service charges.
She cited cases following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, including one in which a victim whose water flow had deteriorated after the earthquake hired a company found online but was charged a high fee despite the problem remaining unresolved.
In another case, a company that visited a disaster-affected home pointed to cracks in its foundation and secured a repair contract. However, the company did only minimal work while the victim was presented with a large bill.
Takaichi also cited a case following heavy rain in Chiba in August 2016, in which a disaster victim whose car had been submerged contacted a towing company after seeing an advertisement offering services from a few thousand yen, only to receive an excessive bill.
She urged people affected by disasters not to rush into contracts, especially when businesses claim repairs are urgently needed or that insurance will cover the cost.
“Do not sign a contract on the spot,” Takaichi said, advising disaster victims to obtain quotations and explanations from multiple companies and carefully check the terms of any agreement.
She also urged people who suspect they are being targeted or encounter problems to seek advice early rather than trying to resolve the issue alone.
Takaichi directed affected residents to Japan’s Consumer Hotline by calling 188, known as “iyaya,” which connects callers with their nearest Consumer Affairs Centre or consumer consultation office.
The warning comes as Japan remains vulnerable to earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters, creating recurring demand for emergency repairs and services.
Takaichi said early consultation was important to prevent financial losses and other damage from escalating.
大規模な災害の発生後には、被災された方々の不安な気持ちや、「早く元の生活に戻したい」という思いにつけ込んだ、悪質な勧誘や契約トラブルが発生する傾向にあります。… pic.twitter.com/Mnejo7t8ED
— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) September 11, 2026
