Elderlies are smarter than us..
Singapore’s Competition and Consumer Commission (CCCS) is currently investigating a hair salon chain for engaging in unfair trade practices, following numerous complaints regarding their sales tactics. The CCCS, in collaboration with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), took action after receiving complaints about HairFun’s deceptive practices at their outlets in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Toa Payoh, and Tampines Central.
One of the key points of contention is the alleged exploitation of elderly customers by the salon chain. According to CASE, customers, especially the elderly, have reported being targeted and overcharged for services they did not explicitly agree to. In some instances, customers were billed for treatments or packages without their consent, leading to significantly higher charges than expected.
A notable case that surfaced involved an 85-year-old man who was reportedly persuaded into signing up for a hair treatment service priced at S$99 (US$77), despite only intending to get an S$8 haircut at HairFun’s Ang Mo Kio outlet. Efforts to address these issues with the salon’s management proved futile, with a total of 34 complaints received against the chain’s sales tactics.
In a Facebook statement, CASE stated, “Consumers are advised to check the list before entering into any transactions.” The CCCS revealed that HairFun’s salons were formerly known as Scissor & Comb and had faced similar complaints regarding unauthorized billing of customers for treatments or packages. The CCCS has initiated investigations under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, with the objective of scrutinizing the evidence gathered to determine if enforcement action against HairFun’s salons is warranted.
Mentioning the sustained enforcement efforts, CCCS stated, “If CCCS finds that any of the HairFun salons have engaged, or are engaging, in unfair trade practices, it may seek court orders against them to, amongst other things, stop the unfair trade practices.” Additionally, the salons have been placed on CASE’s company alert list, cautioning consumers to be vigilant before engaging with them.
In response to a parliamentary inquiry regarding previous warnings issued to hair salons for unfair practices, Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong affirmed the government’s commitment to scrutinizing industry practices to prevent misconduct. Since the previous media release in November 2023 detailing the issue, the number of complaints related to hair salons has slightly decreased, prompting ongoing close collaboration between CASE and the government towards addressing unethical conduct.
