Consumer Alerts - June 2007:

#1 Beware of salespersons impersonating HDB officials (Published in C@sebites Issue 103, 14 June 2007)

Someone turns up at your door and tells you, you need to change your gate / clothes hangers under HDB requirements. And they can do it for you – on the spot! But are they who they say they are or are they… …imposters? Here are some warning signs:

·         They are not able to produce any valid identification proving they are HDB officials.

·         They are not able to produce any documentation detailing the “new HDB regulations” that demand that you change your gate / clothes hangers.

·         They do not tell you that a three-day cooling off period applies to all door-to-door sales.

If in doubt, you can also call HDB Branch Office Service Line (1800-2255432) to check.

#2 Beware of shops charging GST when they are not GST-registered (Published in C@sebites Issue 103, 14 June 2007)

With the impending GST hike and concerns on GST profiteering, some of you may be asking: “How do I know if a shop has the right to charge me GST?”

All businesses that collect GST will have a GST registration number. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has an online GST Registered Business Search. If you have doubts whether you should be paying GST to a business, click here to check

To find out more about GST, click here

The danger of diet pills (Published in C@sebites Issue 104, 28 June 2007)

Is popping a diet pill your idea of losing weight? Singaporeans appear to think so. According to the International Narcotics Control Board 2006 report, Singapore ranks fifth on a list of countries with the highest per capita consumption of diet pills. Read full report here

One such diet pill is phentermine, which works as an appetite suppressant. In Singapore, it is marketed under the brand names of Duromine and Panbesy. In 2006, more than 6.5 million pills were prescribed, translating to 77 per cent of the prescription pill market. 

This staggering figure is not without cause for alarm. Undiscerning prescription of phentermine may put users at health risks. Its common side effects include mood swings, chest pains and irregular heartbeat. And in instances where users overdose, they may even experience hallucinations and seizures.  

CASE would like to advise consumers:

• Understand that there is no magical solution to weight loss. There has been no scientific proof to show that effective, sustainable weight loss can be achieved without a balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Consult a doctor for prescription-only pills. Do not buy such products online as you cannot ascertain the safety of such products. Furthermore, a doctor will be able to determine if such pills are suitable for you and to monitor any possible side effects.
• If you experience side effects, stop consuming the pills and consult a doctor. To ensure that you do not put your health at risk, remember to monitor your own condition and to seek medical advice.