JapanI was tricked into an MLM scheme. Can I get my money back?
Yes, you may be able to get your money back if the MLM scheme violated Japan’s Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations or the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions.
What the Law Says
Japanese law prohibits deceptive sales practices, including false promises of income or concealment of risks in multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes. Two key statutes protect consumers in these situations.
The Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations (also known as the Premiums and Representations Act) bans misleading representations about products, services, or business opportunities — including exaggerated income claims common in MLMs.
The Act on Specified Commercial Transactions (SCT Act) applies specifically to door-to-door sales, telephone solicitation, and internet-based contracts. It gives consumers a legal right to cancel certain contracts within a set period — even after signing — if proper disclosures were not made.
Under the SCT Act, if you entered the MLM contract through telephone solicitation or internet advertising without receiving required written disclosures (e.g., full business model, refund policy, participant obligations), you may cancel within 30 days of receiving the document — or within 10 days of contract formation if no document was provided.
Statutory TextNo person shall make a representation concerning the quality, efficacy or effect of goods or services which is likely to induce unjustifiable expectations regarding those goods or services.
— Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, s. 4 — Prohibition of Misleading Representations
Statutory TextIn the case of a specified transaction conducted by means of telephone solicitation or internet advertisement, the specified merchant shall deliver a written document… If such a document is not delivered, the consumer may cancel the contract within ten days from the date of conclusion.
— Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, s. 40-2 — Cancellation Right for Telephone/Internet Solicitation
Statutory TextWhere a written document has been delivered, the consumer may cancel the contract within thirty days from the date of receipt of the document.
— Act on Specified Commercial Transactions, s. 40-3
What to Do
Gather all documents: contracts, payment receipts, emails, call logs, and screenshots of promotional materials.
Check whether you received the legally required written document — if not, you have 10 days from contract signing to cancel.
If you did receive the document, you have 30 days from its receipt to cancel in writing.
Send a certified letter (with delivery confirmation) stating your cancellation under the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions.
If the company refuses repayment, file a complaint with your local Consumer Center (Consumers Affairs Agency) or consult a lawyer about civil recovery or reporting criminal fraud.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.