Japan's consumer watchdog warns of surge in air conditioner repair scams, with complaints more than doubling since 2021.

What happened

The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan reported a sharp rise in air conditioner repair complaints — 1,251 last year, compared with 451 in 2021. Scams include repairmen charging hidden fees after advertising low prices, claiming units are beyond repair to force replacements, and disappearing without completing work or answering follow-up calls.

Why it matters

Many customers discover these scams only after payment. One woman was charged ¥10,000 for an inspection despite the company advertising free consultations online, then charged around ¥50,000 for a repair that did not actually fix the problem. The pattern of upfront deception followed by poor service makes it difficult for customers to detect fraud before committing money.

What to watch

The watchdog recommends not paying on the spot when problems arise, requesting detailed explanations if charges seem excessive, and confirming the repair works while the technician is still present — practical steps to protect yourself when seeking summer air conditioning repairs.