What happens if you are misled into making a purchase?

CCCS investigated Sterra, after receiving several complaints regarding their online advertisement, and found that Sterra had also made other false and misleading representations.

 

It is important for consumers to note that when consumers are misled into making a purchase, there are several recourse options available to them. An article by Channel NewsAsia sets out the various options that consumers have, including taking up the matter with the business themselves; going through CASE and CCCS; or taking the dispute to court themselves.

 

Singapore’s Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (“CPFTA”) includes the “lemon law” which provides solutions against defective items that do not meet standards of quality and performance, even after repeated repair. Under the CPFTA, the Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) is the first point of contact for complaints by local consumers. CASE can help consumers with getting redress and compensation (for some cases). Unfair trade practices covered under the CPFTA include representing that goods or services are of a particular standard, quality, grade, style, model, origin, weight, volume, length, capacity or method of manufacture (as the case may be) if they are not.

CCCS takes action against persistent unfair trade practices by retailers. In the case of an errant retailer, CCCS can apply for a court order and monitor the retailer for compliance.

Article credit:

CNA Explains: That's not what I ordered – what can you do when a purchase goes sour?, Channel NewsAsia, 6 September 2024