Friday, February 09, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
List of Suspended and Withdrawn CaseTrust Members
Know our CaseTrust Members!
scroll down to the bottom of the above webpage, and you will find 2 companies have been suspended recently...
scroll down to the bottom of the above webpage, and you will find 2 companies have been suspended recently...
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Recent Anti-spam Judgments
Newsletter from the Danish Consumer Ombudsman
Based on the tonnes of spam emails that most Singaporeans received everyday, the Spam Control Act can't come soon enough. The link above showcases how the Danish authorities enforce their spam control regulations.
Based on the tonnes of spam emails that most Singaporeans received everyday, the Spam Control Act can't come soon enough. The link above showcases how the Danish authorities enforce their spam control regulations.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
Pet Shop Grading
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore
AVA will be coming out with a pet shop grading scheme, which is good news for consumers, and bad news for errant pet shops...
AVA will be coming out with a pet shop grading scheme, which is good news for consumers, and bad news for errant pet shops...
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Travel Agents Regulations
TRUST Website
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) recently amended the Travel Agents Regulations. An initial reading of the changes show that the amendments amount to a relaxation of the regulations, with the major change being the removal of requirements for documents, pamphlets, and advertisements to contain details, e.g. duration, price, nature of accommodation, cancellation fee, etc.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) recently amended the Travel Agents Regulations. An initial reading of the changes show that the amendments amount to a relaxation of the regulations, with the major change being the removal of requirements for documents, pamphlets, and advertisements to contain details, e.g. duration, price, nature of accommodation, cancellation fee, etc.
Friday, January 26, 2007
CHOICE - Mobile phone repairs
CHOICE - Mobile phone repairs
A comprehensive study into handphone repair issues, done by CHOICE, the Australian Consumers Association.
A comprehensive study into handphone repair issues, done by CHOICE, the Australian Consumers Association.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
CHOICE - Caffeine
CHOICE - Caffeine
An educational article to kick off the renamed sgCR blog, this Australian Consumers Association article answers some common questions most consumers have regarding this common chemical in coffee, tea etc,
An educational article to kick off the renamed sgCR blog, this Australian Consumers Association article answers some common questions most consumers have regarding this common chemical in coffee, tea etc,
Consumer Watchdog Singapore (consumerW) is now consumer research singapore (sgCR)
To highlight the slight change of focus towards research, consumerW has with immediate effect, being renamed sgCR.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
What is cheating?
A phrase often used, often misused, often misinterpreted...please see below for the legal definition of cheating under our Penal Code. All acts of law can be found at the Singapore Statutes website.
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415. Whoever, by deceiving any person, fraudulently or dishonestly induces the person so deceived to deliver any property to any person, or to consent that any person shall retain any property, or intentionally induces the person so deceived to do or omit to do anything which he would not do or omit if he were not so deceived, and which act or omission causes or is likely to cause damage or harm to that person in body, mind, reputation or property, is said to “cheat”.Explanation 1. A dishonest concealment of facts is a deception within the meaning of this section.Explanation 2. Mere breach of contract is not of itself proof of an original fraudulent intent.Illustrations (a) A, by falsely pretending to be in the Government service, intentionally deceives Z, and thus dishonestly induces Z to let him have on credit goods for which he does not mean to pay. A cheats.
(b) A, by putting a counterfeit mark on an article, intentionally deceives Z into a belief that this article was made by a certain celebrated manufacturer, and thus dishonestly induces Z to buy and pay for the article. A cheats.
(c) A, by exhibiting to Z a false sample of an article, intentionally deceives Z into believing that the article corresponds with the sample, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to buy and pay for the article. A cheats.
(d) A, by tendering in payment for an article a bill on a house with which A keeps no money, and by which A expects that the bill will be dishonoured, intentionally deceives Z, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to deliver the article, intending not to pay for it. A cheats.
(e) A, by pledging as diamonds articles which he knows are not diamonds, intentionally deceives Z, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to lend money. A cheats.
(f) A intentionally deceives Z into a belief that A means to repay any money that Z may lend to him, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to lend him money, A not intending to repay it. A cheats.
(g) A intentionally deceives Z into a belief that A means to deliver to Z a certain quantity of pepper which he does not intend to deliver, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to advance money upon the faith of such delivery. A cheats; but if A, at the time of obtaining the money, intends to deliver the pepper, and afterwards breaks his contract and does not deliver it, he does not cheat, but is liable only to a civil action for breach of contract.
(h) A intentionally deceives Z into a belief that A has performed A’s part of a contract made with Z, which he has not performed, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to pay money. A cheats.
(i) A sells and conveys an estate to B. A, knowing that in consequence of such sale he has no right to the property, sells or mortgages the same to Z without disclosing the fact of the previous sale and conveyance to B, and receives the purchase or mortgage money from Z. A cheats.
(j) A, playing with false dice, or marked cards, wins money from B. A cheats.
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415. Whoever, by deceiving any person, fraudulently or dishonestly induces the person so deceived to deliver any property to any person, or to consent that any person shall retain any property, or intentionally induces the person so deceived to do or omit to do anything which he would not do or omit if he were not so deceived, and which act or omission causes or is likely to cause damage or harm to that person in body, mind, reputation or property, is said to “cheat”.
(b) A, by putting a counterfeit mark on an article, intentionally deceives Z into a belief that this article was made by a certain celebrated manufacturer, and thus dishonestly induces Z to buy and pay for the article. A cheats.
(c) A, by exhibiting to Z a false sample of an article, intentionally deceives Z into believing that the article corresponds with the sample, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to buy and pay for the article. A cheats.
(d) A, by tendering in payment for an article a bill on a house with which A keeps no money, and by which A expects that the bill will be dishonoured, intentionally deceives Z, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to deliver the article, intending not to pay for it. A cheats.
(e) A, by pledging as diamonds articles which he knows are not diamonds, intentionally deceives Z, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to lend money. A cheats.
(f) A intentionally deceives Z into a belief that A means to repay any money that Z may lend to him, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to lend him money, A not intending to repay it. A cheats.
(g) A intentionally deceives Z into a belief that A means to deliver to Z a certain quantity of pepper which he does not intend to deliver, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to advance money upon the faith of such delivery. A cheats; but if A, at the time of obtaining the money, intends to deliver the pepper, and afterwards breaks his contract and does not deliver it, he does not cheat, but is liable only to a civil action for breach of contract.
(h) A intentionally deceives Z into a belief that A has performed A’s part of a contract made with Z, which he has not performed, and thereby dishonestly induces Z to pay money. A cheats.
(i) A sells and conveys an estate to B. A, knowing that in consequence of such sale he has no right to the property, sells or mortgages the same to Z without disclosing the fact of the previous sale and conveyance to B, and receives the purchase or mortgage money from Z. A cheats.
(j) A, playing with false dice, or marked cards, wins money from B. A cheats.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
OSIM recalling 3,000 uZap MINIs
Channelnewsasia.com
By Wong Mun Wai, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 05 January 2007 1839 hrs
Singapore company OSIM is recalling 3,000 of its arm toning product called uZap MINIs.
The company says, under certain conditions, it is possible for the batteries to overheat thus creating a fire risk.
Customers are advised to stop charging, or using the product immediately.
OSIM started selling uZap MINIs, costing about $150, in Singapore early last month.
The company does not expect the recall to have an adverse effect on its financial results. - CNA/ch
By Wong Mun Wai, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 05 January 2007 1839 hrs
Singapore company OSIM is recalling 3,000 of its arm toning product called uZap MINIs.
The company says, under certain conditions, it is possible for the batteries to overheat thus creating a fire risk.
Customers are advised to stop charging, or using the product immediately.
OSIM started selling uZap MINIs, costing about $150, in Singapore early last month.
The company does not expect the recall to have an adverse effect on its financial results. - CNA/ch
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Average Retail Prices of Selected Items
STATISTICS SINGAPORE - KeyStats - Singapore Economy Content Page
PDF file from the Singapore Department of Statistics, showing the movement of retail prices of basic goods. Useful for spotting "problem" areas to highlight.
PDF file from the Singapore Department of Statistics, showing the movement of retail prices of basic goods. Useful for spotting "problem" areas to highlight.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Your Case is ours
TODAYonline
Your Case is ours
Watchdog stands firm on unjustified, opaque price hikes
Thursday • December 28, 2006
Letter from Yeo Guat Kwang
President Consumers Association of Singapore (Case)
I refer to the letters by Leong Sze Hian ("Price hikes and the role of the consumer watchdog", Dec 23) and Jeffrey Law Lee Beng ("A Case for the masses", Dec 27).
Case has asked consumers to report their concerns about Goods and Services Tax-related profiteering to the Committee Against Profiteering (CAP). CAP was set up by the Government to combat GST-related profiteering and it has the vested power to investigate such complaints. Case is an institutional member of CAP.
We understand that CAP investigated all complaints against retailers who use GST hikes as the reason to increase prices at the last GST adjustment. It is expected to do likewise in the coming increase.
Case was set up in 1971 when the prices of basic necessities were unstable and there was rampant profiteering. Our mission of protecting consumers' interests remains relevant today.
The writers asked if Case examines and speaks out on price increases, especially those relating to services provided by monopolies. They cited postage, public transport and electricity tariffs. Some of these services are already monitored and subjected to regular reviews by the authorities: Postage costs by the InfoComm Development Authority and public transport fares by the Public Transport Council. Electricity tariffs are determined by a formula that tracks the ups and downs of quarterly prices, depending on changing input costs, which primarily comprises oil.
Case watches all price increases closely. We are not against price adjustments by market forces per se; we believe businesses should be transparent and consumers given more information when prices are adjusted.
We have consistently called for transparency on pricing, such as our task force on transparency in hospital bills in 2004. We will continue to take a firm position on unjustified or non-transparent price increases.
Case has been an affiliate member of Consumers International since early 2004. Case is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that draws on the strength of more than 200 volunteers who help us champion consumer issues.
Case serves consumers from all sectors of society. Besides handling individual complaints, we also conduct public talks to raise awareness of consumer problems.
Leadership is provided by the Central Committee of 19 elected members, including the president and vice-presidents. Six are institutional members with a union and cooperative background and the rest are individuals and professionals who volunteer their time. We welcome people from all walks of life to contribute their time and expertise to the consumer movement in Singapore.
Your Case is ours
Watchdog stands firm on unjustified, opaque price hikes
Thursday • December 28, 2006
Letter from Yeo Guat Kwang
President Consumers Association of Singapore (Case)
I refer to the letters by Leong Sze Hian ("Price hikes and the role of the consumer watchdog", Dec 23) and Jeffrey Law Lee Beng ("A Case for the masses", Dec 27).
Case has asked consumers to report their concerns about Goods and Services Tax-related profiteering to the Committee Against Profiteering (CAP). CAP was set up by the Government to combat GST-related profiteering and it has the vested power to investigate such complaints. Case is an institutional member of CAP.
We understand that CAP investigated all complaints against retailers who use GST hikes as the reason to increase prices at the last GST adjustment. It is expected to do likewise in the coming increase.
Case was set up in 1971 when the prices of basic necessities were unstable and there was rampant profiteering. Our mission of protecting consumers' interests remains relevant today.
The writers asked if Case examines and speaks out on price increases, especially those relating to services provided by monopolies. They cited postage, public transport and electricity tariffs. Some of these services are already monitored and subjected to regular reviews by the authorities: Postage costs by the InfoComm Development Authority and public transport fares by the Public Transport Council. Electricity tariffs are determined by a formula that tracks the ups and downs of quarterly prices, depending on changing input costs, which primarily comprises oil.
Case watches all price increases closely. We are not against price adjustments by market forces per se; we believe businesses should be transparent and consumers given more information when prices are adjusted.
We have consistently called for transparency on pricing, such as our task force on transparency in hospital bills in 2004. We will continue to take a firm position on unjustified or non-transparent price increases.
Case has been an affiliate member of Consumers International since early 2004. Case is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that draws on the strength of more than 200 volunteers who help us champion consumer issues.
Case serves consumers from all sectors of society. Besides handling individual complaints, we also conduct public talks to raise awareness of consumer problems.
Leadership is provided by the Central Committee of 19 elected members, including the president and vice-presidents. Six are institutional members with a union and cooperative background and the rest are individuals and professionals who volunteer their time. We welcome people from all walks of life to contribute their time and expertise to the consumer movement in Singapore.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Price hikes and the role of the consumer watchdog
TODAYonline
A well researched forum letter, consumerW is impressed...
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Price hikes and the role of the consumer watchdog
Weekend • December 23, 2006
Letter from Leong Sze Hian
I refer to the Consumers Association of Singapore's (Case) reply, "GST profiteering unethical" (Dec 15).
In response to concerns expressed in the media about price increases for essential items with the impending GST hike, Case has said that consumers can report to the Committee Against Profiteering (CAP). How many cases of profiteering have been determined by the CAP since its establishment in 2002?
The prices of various essential goods and services have gone up recently. For example, electricity tariffs have increased a few times, postage prices were raised, and both bus and MRT fares went up from Oct 1.
Does Case examine and speak out on such increases, especially when the services are provided by monopolies? I remember that it used to do so in the past.
In 2002, Case saw a walkout of members in a public clash of ideology and questions over what causes should be championed. The 13 members who resigned included lawyer Stephen Loke, who had chaired several committees within Case. That same year, Case spoke up against increases in public transport fares and called for the Government to monitor the impact of higher hospital fees.
In countries such as the United Kingdom, consumer associations are independent and free of any connection with the government.
Such independence is the case in almost every developed country in the world, because there may be inherent conflicts of interest — the interests of consumers may often be at odds with the goods and services provided or indirectly influenced by Government or government-linked companies.
One of the requirements to be a full member of Consumer International, the international association for consumer associations, is that they must be independent of party politics.
In Singapore, the president and vice-president of Case, as well as the chairperson of CaseTrust Advisory Council, are all Members of Parliament.
A well researched forum letter, consumerW is impressed...
-------------------------------------
Price hikes and the role of the consumer watchdog
Weekend • December 23, 2006
Letter from Leong Sze Hian
I refer to the Consumers Association of Singapore's (Case) reply, "GST profiteering unethical" (Dec 15).
In response to concerns expressed in the media about price increases for essential items with the impending GST hike, Case has said that consumers can report to the Committee Against Profiteering (CAP). How many cases of profiteering have been determined by the CAP since its establishment in 2002?
The prices of various essential goods and services have gone up recently. For example, electricity tariffs have increased a few times, postage prices were raised, and both bus and MRT fares went up from Oct 1.
Does Case examine and speak out on such increases, especially when the services are provided by monopolies? I remember that it used to do so in the past.
In 2002, Case saw a walkout of members in a public clash of ideology and questions over what causes should be championed. The 13 members who resigned included lawyer Stephen Loke, who had chaired several committees within Case. That same year, Case spoke up against increases in public transport fares and called for the Government to monitor the impact of higher hospital fees.
In countries such as the United Kingdom, consumer associations are independent and free of any connection with the government.
Such independence is the case in almost every developed country in the world, because there may be inherent conflicts of interest — the interests of consumers may often be at odds with the goods and services provided or indirectly influenced by Government or government-linked companies.
One of the requirements to be a full member of Consumer International, the international association for consumer associations, is that they must be independent of party politics.
In Singapore, the president and vice-president of Case, as well as the chairperson of CaseTrust Advisory Council, are all Members of Parliament.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Housing, Food, and Transport the main bulk of household expenditure
hes.pdf (application/pdf Object)
The statistics show that these are the areas that need closer monitoring to ensure that consumers' costs of living are manageable.
The statistics show that these are the areas that need closer monitoring to ensure that consumers' costs of living are manageable.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Every little hurts
Comment is free: Every little hurts
Does it also happen in Singapore? That was the first reaction when consumerW first read the above article. With consumers asking for cheap prices, have we forgotten the consequences of that? Food for thought...
Does it also happen in Singapore? That was the first reaction when consumerW first read the above article. With consumers asking for cheap prices, have we forgotten the consequences of that? Food for thought...
Friday, December 08, 2006
Consumer Watchdog Singapore (consumerW) Blacklist
Consumer Watchdog Singapore (consumerW) announces the start of a consolidated blacklist of errant companies in Singapore. This list is compiled from public domain sources, e.g. newspapers, statutory boards, etc.. The blacklist can be accessed on the website menu on the right of this webpage or here.
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