Consumer Alerts - September 2008:

Tainted Milk, What Next? (Published in C@sebites Issue 117, 30 September 2008)

With regards to the recent tainted milk scandal, the import and sale of many China imported products were suspended with effect from 19 September 2008.

As a preventive measure, CASE advises consumers that for the time being to not consume any milk based products, especially if it is imported from China. Consumers are also advised not to consume any products that were being recalled. If consumers develop any unusual symptoms, they should seek medical help without delay. In addition, should consumers travel to China within the next few weeks, they should avoid buying products with milk as one of the ingredients, especially if they are not sure of the source of the product.

Consumers should check AVA’s website (www.ava.gov.sg) regularly for more information and updates on the latest development on the impending checks on the milk products. 

CASE is not in collaboration with any timeshare companies

Recently, CASE have received feedback from consumers that some timeshare or timeshare-related companies claiming that they are in collaboration to CASE to assist with the termination of their timeshare or recovering money from such memberships. CASE would like to clarify that we are not in collaboration with any such companies. If consumers are approached by such companies, they should contact CASE immediately. In addition, please see tips for consumers below.

Tips for consumers:

1. Many companies collect substantial fees without a guarantee of results. To date, CASE has not received any instances of successful termination, reselling or leasing of timeshare memberships.
2. Generally, consumers should be wary of a company that:
   • is unable to verify its claims, or provide proof of prospective clients for your timeshare membership
   • requests that you upgrade your membership to improve your chances of success, but is unable to provide substantiation - employs pressure sales tactics and does not have a refund policy.
3. Under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, consumers can terminate timeshare contracts or membership upgrades within a three-day cooling-off period, which excludes weekends and public holidays. This, however, excludes timeshare termination, reselling or leasing contracts.
4. Cancellation of the contract should be done in writing. Consumers can send it by registered mail, fax or personal delivery with acknowledgement by the business concerned.
5. Consumers can either call the CASE hotline on 6463-1811 for assistance or file their claims at the Small Claims Tribunal.