Scam in SingaporeShopping
Shop rip-offs in Singapore
How it works
A shop cheats a customer over a purchase. Most shopkeepers are honest; no specific sales trick is described.
Warning signs
- The amount requested differs from the price you agreed.
- The bill does not match what you agreed to buy.
How to avoid it
- Confirm the full price before paying.
- Check the item and bill before leaving.
- Keep your receipt and any written agreement.
If it happens to you
Call the Singapore Tourism Board's free domestic hotline on 1800-736-2000. The Small Claims Tribunal at 1 Havelock Square has an expedited tourist process that can resolve simple cases within 24 hours.
- Move to a safe place. Call 999 if you face immediate danger.
- Contact your card issuer immediately if a card, card details or payment account may be at risk. Ask about blocking access and disputing the payment.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and screenshots. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report theft or fraud to the Singapore Police Force as soon as possible. Use 1799 for a police scam enquiry.
- For a shop dispute, call 1800-736-2000. For a taxi charge, contact the taxi company with your receipt.
- Contact your insurer if you may claim for a loss. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2018Sim Lim Square: The good, the bad and the uglyCNA recounts how a Vietnamese tourist expecting a S$950 iPhone was subsequently told to pay another S$1,500 in warranty fees.Read on News
- News2015Ex-Mobile Air employees get four to 14 months’ jailFour former Sim Lim Square salesmen received jail sentences for cheating customers through sales tactics disguised as legitimate warranty agreements.Read on News
- Redditr/singapore2023What are some of the tourist "traps" in Singapore?A commenter reports that a tourist friend was encouraged to eat two durians before discussing payment and then asked for S$200.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the shop rip-offs scam in Singapore?
A shop cheats a customer over a purchase. Most shopkeepers are honest; no specific sales trick is described.
How can I spot it early?
The amount requested differs from the price you agreed. The bill does not match what you agreed to buy.
How do I avoid shop rip-offs in Singapore?
Confirm the full price before paying. Check the item and bill before leaving. Keep your receipt and any written agreement.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Call the Singapore Tourism Board's free domestic hotline on 1800-736-2000. The Small Claims Tribunal at 1 Havelock Square has an expedited tourist process that can resolve simple cases within 24 hours.
How common is this scam in Singapore?
Occasional. Singapore has a low risk of tourist scams. Most taxi drivers and shopkeepers are honest, but watch for bogus monks asking for donations, shop rip-offs, disputed taxi charges and pickpockets in crowds.
Who can I report it to?
Singapore Police Force: report crimes as soon as possible. Call 999 for an emergency, or use emergency SMS on 71999. Police scam enquiry: call 1799. Local call rates apply. Singapore Tourism Board: for a shop rip-off, call the free domestic hotline on 1800-736-2000. Small Claims Tribunal: at 1 Havelock Square. An expedited process for tourists can resolve simple cases within 24 hours. Taxi company: contact the operator shown on your taxi or receipt. Ask it to explain disputed charges and provide your journey details. Card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or contact number to report unauthorised payments, block cards and ask about a dispute. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen.
What number do I call in an emergency in Singapore?
Police emergency: 999, Police emergency SMS: 71999, Police scam enquiry: 1799, Ambulance and fire emergency: 995, Ambulance and fire emergency SMS for deaf people: 70995.
Reviewed by @snuck