6 convicted for selling bracelets claimed to smooth blood flow

Tuesday 19th August, 06:43 AM JST

CHIBA —

The Chiba District Court’s Matsudo branch on Monday sentenced six defendants to prison terms ranging from two years to five years and six months for committing organized fraud by selling people bracelets they falsely claimed would smooth blood flow.

Minoru Kajimoto, 61, former president of health product dealer Sankyo Corp., and five others were convicted of conspiring to defraud 38 people of a total of about 13.9 million yen by selling the bracelets from January to November in 2006. Presiding Judge Masataka Ito condemned the defendants for selling the bracelets for several hundred thousand yen each to middle-aged and elderly people who had health concerns.

Kyodo

11 Comments

sensei258 at 07:19 AM JST - 19th August

It's sad that some people prey upon the fears of others. There's a shop close to my house that sells magnets for the body, claiming they fix all kinds of problems. I wonder if they read this story.
OgieDoggie at 07:21 AM JST - 19th August

It's the 38 people who were dumb enough to buy them who should be arrested, come on "make your blood smooth" (that might impress a vampire)!

Don't people know a snake oil salesman when they see one?
imagawa at 07:46 AM JST - 19th August

OgieDoggie.

"Don't people know a snake oil salesman when they see one?"

If they did we wouldn't be forever cleaning our box of span. But you are right, bad people try to sell anything to anyone, but it is stupid people that sell themselves what they want to believe in.
8iamhappy8 at 07:59 AM JST - 19th August

Actually, I kinda feel sorry for the salespeople. Give them a little more time, and they'll begin to believe in their own lies...
pizzaboy at 09:36 AM JST - 19th August

the conman's motto: a sucker is born every minute.
medievaltimes at 10:09 AM JST - 19th August

In a way I feel bad for the victims, especially the elderly. But at some point people have to take responsibility for what they decide to buy. Do a little research. Dont think the government/law is going to protect you from every harm out there.

I see/hear a lot of warning signs in Japan telling people to beware of this or be careful of that (my favorite being the message on the escalator that reminds me to start walking when I get to the end). To me most of it is common sense.
Altria at 10:10 AM JST - 19th August

Stuff like this is rubbish, but I got one of those Tiger Eye bracelets a couple months back and I've doubled my money on pachinko and the horses every time. And every time I got out I seem to come home with a new lady.

Best 39,800 yen I ever spent!
studebaker at 11:49 AM JST - 19th August

pizzaboy: I believe that was PT Barnum who said that.
dennis0bauer at 03:15 PM JST - 19th August

You mean it is not real???? :p

2 to 5 years that is more than what some people get for murder.
usaexpat at 12:34 AM JST - 20th August

There are so many "snake oil" and "patent medicine" devices sold here how did these guys get singled out? Maybe they didn't pay import duties on the bracelets or tax on the profits?
PLANETCOP123 at 11:28 AM JST - 21st August

Greed.