CASE finds lipsticks sold in Singapore and on e-commerce platforms to be within regulatory limits for toxic metals

The Consumers Association of Singapore ("CASE”) commissioned a test on 30 lipsticks sold in Singapore and on e-commerce platforms for toxic metals, lead and cadmium. The test results showed that all 30 samples were within the permissible limit for trace amounts of lead and cadmium. Significant or cumulative exposure for a prolonged period to lead and cadmium can cause severe adverse effects such as abdominal pains and renal failure.

   

CASE launches Standard Dispute Management Framework for E-marketplaces and signs MOU with Lazada Singapore as first adopter of the Framework

The Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) announced today the launch of a Standard Dispute Management Framework for E-marketplaces (“the Framework”) at CASE’s Conference on Building Trust and Strengthening Consumer Protection in the Digital Age, which also commemorated CASE’s 50th anniversary.

   

CASE signs VCA with Paul Immigrations to stop misleading consumers on the success rate of its PR application services

The Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) has signed a Voluntary Compliance Agreement (“VCA”) with Paul Immigrations Pte Ltd (“Paul Immigrations”) to stop misleading consumers on the success rate of its Singapore Permanent Resident (“PR”) application services. Under the VCA signed on 7 September 2021, Paul Immigrations has also committed to cease exerting undue pressure on consumers to purchase its services and to offer a five-day cooling off period for consumers who wish to cancel their contracts.

   

CASE and CCCS Advisory on Online Consumer Transactions

The Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCCS”) would like to alert consumers to common tactics used by errant online retailers to mislead consumers into purchasing products. From January 2020 to 2 August 2021, CASE received 52 complaints related to transactions with overseas online retailers where consumers were misled into making purchases. Attempts to get a refund of money paid to such online retailers may be difficult as they may not have any presence in Singapore.

   

Consumer complaints received by CASE in the first half of 2021 dropped compared to the same period in 2020; the beauty and renovation contractor industries accounted for the highest number of complaints

The Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) received 7,260 consumer complaints in the first half of 2021 (“1H2021”), a 19.5% decrease from the 9,013 complaints received in the first half of 2020 (“1H2020”). The beauty and renovation contractors industries accounted for the highest number of complaints received in 1H2021, and saw an increase in the number of complaints compared with the same period last year. There was a decline in the number of complaints against the travel, airlines, and medical and medical consumables industries.

   

Company Alert – 99 Reno Pte Ltd

The Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) would like to alert consumers to complaints received against renovation contractor 99 Reno Pte Ltd (“99 Reno”). From 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021, CASE received 30 consumer complaints against 99 Reno. The majority of complaints pertain to consumers who made prepayments for their projects but experienced repeated delays in renovation works or a delay in the commencement of works. CASE had attempted to resolve the complaints with 99 Reno, but was unsuccessful. The company also did not respond to a warning letter issued by CASE.

   

Melvin Yong elected as new CASE President

The Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) would like to announce that Mr Melvin Yong has been elected President of the new Central Committee for the term 2021 to 2024. This follows CASE’s 48th Annual General Meeting held today, where the new Central Committee was also elected and/or appointed into office. Mr Yong succeeds Mr Lim Biow Chuan who had helmed CASE since 2012.

   

CASE sees spike in complaints against the travel and airlines industries due to COVID-19, one in seven complaints related to the pandemic

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic has reshaped the composition of consumer complaints received by the Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) in 2020. Of the 18,335 complaints received by CASE last year, approximately one in seven were related to the pandemic. The pandemic had the biggest impact on the travel and airlines industries where two out of five complaints received against these industries stemmed from COVID-19 travel restrictions. In addition, with more consumers turning to online shopping due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, the number of complaints relating to online purchases doubled from 2,236 in 2019 to 4,366 in 2020.

   

CASE appoints new Executive Director

The Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) has appointed Ms Lee Siow Hwee, 42, as its new Executive Director with effect from 1 April 2021. Ms Lee succeeds Mr Loy York Jiun, 47, who has returned to the National Trades Union Congress (“NTUC”).

   

Statement on Integrated Shield Plans

The Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) welcomes the Ministry of Health (“MOH”)’s decision to formally appoint a committee to look into issues related to Integrated Shield Plans (“IP”) and propose recommendations. CASE hopes that the Life Insurance Association, Singapore (“LIA”) and the Singapore Medical Association (“SMA”) can find a sustainable solution which protects consumers’ interests and keeps health insurance premiums affordable in the long run.

   

Company Alert - Triple Lifestyle

From 1 January 2020 to 31 January 2021, CASE received 86 consumer complaints against Triple Lifestyle Marketing. In general, consumers complained about misleading claims made by Triple Lifestyle Marketing, that the company was either unresponsive to their service requests or did not show up for scheduled appointments, and/or that they did not provide satisfactory recourse for faulty products.

   

Company Alert - MDS Collections

From 1 June 2019 to 31 December 2020, CASE has received 37 complaints against clothing and fashion accessories retailer MDS Collections . The majority of complaints relate to consumers failing to receive their orders. As MDS Collections did not resolve most of the complaints received by CASE, CASE had issued a warning letter to MDS Collections. Other consumers who are unable to resolve their disputes with MDS Collections may approach CASE for advice.