TOKYO, Aug 29 (News On Japan) –
Online flea-market operator Mercari has introduced that, efficient September 1, fetal ultrasound images will eliminated in an effort to thwart ‘papa-katsu’ scammers.
During an August 28 search on Mercari for “胎児 エコー写真”, there have been no energetic listings, however 5 entries had been marked as bought out. They had been priced round 3,000 to six,000 yen and all got here from the identical vendor. Listings that remained up by way of August 27 confirmed one other vendor providing a set of 5 ultrasound images that clearly depicted a fetus for 999 yen. In different circumstances, units of eight images taken between 23 and 30 weeks of gestation had been bought for two,500 yen.
Mercari has introduced that, efficient September 1, ultrasound images shall be categorized as objects topic to removing. For now the corporate is asking sellers to withdraw such listings voluntarily. As for the explanation, Mercari stated solely that the objects “fall under those judged to be inappropriate.”
Why would anybody purchase and promote fetal ultrasound images? Street interviews produced assorted views, from “I can’t imagine doing that myself—these are keepsakes” to “Maybe some people simply like looking at ultrasound images.” Others pointed to potential fraud: “There could be scams tied to pregnancy announcements or so-called ‘papa-katsu,’ like saying ‘I got pregnant, so please give me money.’”
According to Matsukuma, an lawyer at Hashimoto Sogo Law Office, such schemes do exist. Matsukuma stated, “I have heard of consultations of this kind. If someone falsely claims to be pregnant and receives money for expenses such as an abortion that never actually arose, it would constitute the crime of fraud under the Penal Code.”
There have additionally been suspicious listings of customizable ultrasound images that omit dates and clinic names. Matsukuma added that many listings characteristic early-pregnancy photographs, which can be simpler to misuse as a result of in late being pregnant a visibly bigger stomach makes deception extra prone to be uncovered.
In response to inquiries, Mercari stated, “We periodically review our list of prohibited items so that everyone can use the service with peace of mind.”
Source: FNN