20s Turn to SNS, 60s to Police: Consultation Channels Diverge by Generation in Crypto Asset Troubles

Clabo Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Ikuma Ueno) conducted a survey titled "Survey on Consultation Behavior and Risk Environment on SNS in the Event of Fraud" targeting 746 individuals with experience in cryptocurrency investment.

The survey results revealed a serious situation: 29.5% of investors who suffered cryptocurrency-related fraud chose to "suffer in silence," and a further 27.6% responded that they "don't know where to consult."

Clear generational disparities emerged in the choice of consultation channels. While 26.7% of those in their 20s sought connections on SNS, 38.7% of those in their 60s relied on public institutions like the police, highlighting contrasting defensive awareness.

This report details the harsh investment environment where approximately 80% of SNS users daily encounter fraudulent posts, and the high "effective silent suffering rate (32.8%)" among those in their 20s and 40s.

Survey Details

29.5% of Fraud Victims Suffer in Silence

Realities of Consultation and Silent Suffering

What actions do investors take when they fall victim to cryptocurrency-related fraud? The survey found that 29.5%, approximately 30% of victims, choose to "suffer in silence." Additionally, a similar proportion of victims have not reported the incident to anyone. The psychological shock of losing money, coupled with anxiety about how to cope, is driving investors into a corner.

Consultation Status with Specialized Agencies

Some investors do turn to public consultation agencies or experts when cryptocurrency fraud occurs. Alongside exchange support and SNS consultations, approximately 20% of investors contacted consumer centers or lawyers. However, using these channels does not always lead to a resolution. The amount of damage, the availability of evidence, and the increasingly sophisticated nature of fraud schemes are raising the barriers to consulting experts. Only 21.0% consulted the police. Currently, the difficulty of obtaining legal relief remains a challenge for many investors.

The Barrier of Not Being Able to Consult Anyone

Meanwhile, 27.6% of victims answered that they "don't know where to consult." Immediately after being victimized, many investors cannot make calm judgments and may even struggle to organize information. The psychological barrier of not wanting to acknowledge the victimization cannot be ignored. As a result, a strong structure exists where many investors remain isolated and internalize their losses. This environment in the cryptocurrency market poses a significant risk for new entrants. To minimize damage, it is crucial not only to arm oneself with prior knowledge but also to establish consultation pathways in case of emergency.

Consultation Channels Vary Significantly by Generation

SNS is the Most Common Consultation Channel for Those in Their 20s

Cryptocurrency investors in their 20s show a very strong tendency to choose SNS as their consultation channel when facing trouble. According to the data, 26.7% use SNS, a figure that stands out among all age groups. This likely stems from the behavioral psychology of seeking connections with other victims or knowledgeable users before turning to public institutions, driven by the deep entrenchment of SNS as a familiar communication tool. It reflects the high adaptability of the digital native generation, who seek solutions online. However, as SNS also contains impersonator accounts run by fraudsters, casual consultations carry the risk of leading to secondary damage.

Police Reports are Central for Those in Their 60s

In contrast, investors in their 60s show a higher rate of relying on the police, a public institution, when trouble occurs. The survey results show that 38.7% cited the police as their consultation channel, while only 3.2% chose SNS. This is not merely a difference in generational preference but is likely significantly influenced by a "trust in public institutions" cultivated through life experience. It reveals a prudent crisis management attitude that, when problems arise, one should first turn to an organization with legal backing. While prompt consultation is very important, police response may not always be immediately effective in the highly specialized field of cryptocurrency. For those seeking to recover losses, it is advisable to also consider using lawyers or consumer centers with specialized knowledge.

Generational Gap in Consultation Behavior

Clear contrasts exist in the choice of consultation channels across generations. While those in their 20s emphasize mutual support in the digital space, older generations seek help from existing social infrastructure. Notably, the usage rate of consumer centers peaks at 32.1% among those in their 30s, the highest among all age groups. This suggests that individuals accustomed to dealing with consumer issues in their work and household management are effectively utilizing public institutions. Investors need the literacy to flexibly choose consultation channels based not only on their age and experience but also on the current market environment and the nature of the damage.

Effective Silent Suffering Rate of 32.8% for Those in Their 20s and 40s

The Reality of Growing Resignation in the 20s and 40s

The effective silent suffering rate for cryptocurrency fraud victims in their 20s and 40s reaches 32.8%. This means that approximately one in three survey respondents was unable to take concrete remedial action after being victimized. Why is the tendency to give up on resolution so strong among these working-age generations? One possible reason is a lack of time. Busy with work and household chores, they may be psychologically inclined to avoid complex interactions with specialized agencies. It is also plausible that small-scale losses are written off as a "tuition fee."

Silent Suffering Rate Decreases with Age

Conversely, this rate clearly decreases with age. It drops to 18.4% for those in their 50s and further to 10.0% for those in their 60s, highlighting a gap with younger and working-age generations. The reason older generations are more proactive in seeking remedies may be their accumulated life experience. They may have learned how to calmly deal with troubles and legal issues encountered in the past. A strong will to "legally recover what was lost" may be driving their actions. Of course, a simple comparison is not possible. However, it is a fact that as people age, their literacy in not leaving damage unaddressed and seeking public support increases.

Generational Disparity in Coping Ability

The data shows a difference of more than three times in the silent suffering rate between younger and older generations. This figure likely reflects not just a difference in awareness but a difference in "resilience" to the investment environment and fraud. Less experienced investors are more susceptible to shock when victimized and tend to fall into a state of mental paralysis.