Arrested for Suspected Sales Agreement of Supplements through 'Hypnosis Business'
Three individuals have been arrested in Osaka on allegations of engaging in 'hypnosis business' to sell health supplements unlawfully.
The Osaka Prefectural Police have arrested three individuals, including the 76-year-old representative of the health product sales company Merry Mart, for allegedly violating the Specified Commercial Transaction Law related to a so-called 'hypnosis business'. This technique involves offering everyday items nearly for free to attract elderly customers and then employing persuasive sales tactics to induce a 'hypnotic state' before selling high-priced products. The arrested individuals are suspected of conspiring to lure three elderly women into signing contracts for purchasing 13 boxes of health supplements, valued at approximately 259,200 yen, at a store in Sakai City. These health supplements were falsely advertised as being equivalent to cancer-fighting drugs, prompting further investigations into potential violations of pharmaceutical regulations. Merry Mart, established in 1984, operates by setting up temporary stores in various regions and advertising enticing promotions to gather elderly clientele. Inside, they create an engaging atmosphere and leverage social dynamics to encourage high-value purchases. Notably, one affected customer expressed feeling pressured not to miss out when others were purchasing. The police are expanding their investigation, having identified at least 100 potential victims, as evidence suggests that these deceptive practices may have occurred in multiple locations. The implications of this case raise concerns about the vulnerability of older consumers to high-pressure sales tactics and the need for protective regulations in the commercial sector.