Unfair Practices in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The CPFTA protects consumers from unfair business practices:
- Misleading conduct: False claims about goods or services, bait-and-switch tactics, hidden charges, or deceptive advertising.
- Unconscionable practices: Taking advantage of a consumer's inability to understand the transaction (e.g., language barriers, high-pressure tactics on the elderly).
- Remedies: Consumers can seek a court declaration that a practice is unfair, and claim damages. The court can also void or vary the contract.
- CASE involvement: The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) can mediate disputes and has the power to seek an injunction against persistent offenders.
When does it apply?
- You are a consumer who has been misled or taken advantage of in a consumer transaction.
- Common examples: renovation contractors who overcharge, car dealers who misrepresent mileage, beauty salons using high-pressure sales tactics.
What to Do If a Business Has Misled You or Used High-Pressure Tactics Against You in Singapore
- Document everything — save contracts, receipts, brochures, advertisements, text messages, and screenshots.
- File a complaint with CASE (case.org.sg) — they will attempt mediation with the business.
- If mediation fails, file a claim with the SCT or the civil courts.
- Report egregious practices to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't sign contracts under pressure — take time to read and understand before committing.
- Don't assume you have no recourse because you signed a contract — unfair terms can be voided by the court.
- Don't engage in online shaming before seeking formal remedies — this could expose you to defamation claims.
Common Questions
What counts as an unfair practice under Singapore's CPFTA?
Unfair practices include misleading conduct such as false claims, bait-and-switch tactics, hidden charges, and deceptive advertising. They also cover unconscionable practices — taking advantage of a consumer's inability to understand the transaction, such as language barriers or high-pressure tactics on the elderly. Common examples are renovation overcharges, mileage misrepresentation, and aggressive beauty-salon selling.
Can a Singapore court void a contract I signed under pressure?
Yes. Under the CPFTA, consumers can seek a court declaration that a practice is unfair and claim damages. The court can also void or vary the contract. Signing a contract does not automatically mean you have no recourse — unfair terms and unconscionable practices can be set aside.
Should I complain to CASE or go straight to court in Singapore?
Start with CASE (case.org.sg) — they will attempt mediation with the business, and CaseTrust-accredited businesses are obligated to cooperate. If mediation fails, file at the Small Claims Tribunals or civil courts. Avoid online shaming before seeking formal remedies, as this could expose you to defamation claims.
When does it apply — unfair practices?
You are a consumer who has been misled or taken advantage of in a consumer transaction.Common examples: renovation contractors who overcharge, car dealers who misrepresent mileage, beauty salons using high-pressure sales tactics.
What should I do if a Singapore business misled me or used unfair pressure tactics to get me to sign a contract?
Document everything — save contracts, receipts, brochures, advertisements, text messages, and screenshots.File a complaint with CASE (case.org.sg) — they will attempt mediation with the business.If mediation fails, file a claim with the SCT or the civil courts.Report egregious practices to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS).
What should you NOT do — unfair practices?
Don't sign contracts under pressure — take time to read and understand before committing.Don't assume you have no recourse because you signed a contract — unfair terms can be voided by the court.Don't engage in online shaming before seeking formal remedies — this could expose you to defamation claims.