Singapore’s consumer watchdog flags misleading online tactics used by Courts and Prism+

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) has taken action against Courts and Prism+ for using misleading online features that pressured consumers into unintended purchases.

According to a CCS media release issued on 8 December 2025, the retailers engaged in unfair trade practices involving unsolicited cart additions, false urgency signals and unsubstantiated claims.

CCS stated that Courts automatically added items to consumers’ shopping carts during certain promotion periods.

The agency reported that an Acer vacuum cleaner was inserted into a shopper’s cart after the individual selected an Apple iPad for purchase.

This practice risked consumers paying for items they did not intend to buy if they failed to spot the additions before checkout.

CCS noted that customer complaints surfaced as early as 2024, yet Courts made no changes until CCS intervened in June 2025.

The agency said Courts has undertaken to cease the practice immediately, update its website design and refund affected consumers.

In a separate investigation, CCS found that Prism+ deployed multiple digital features that artificially pressured shoppers into quick purchases.

These included countdown timers that were not linked to inventory systems, reset automatically and had no functional effect on the checkout process.

According to CCS, the Prism+ website also displayed misleading stock indicators suggesting low inventory despite ample supply.

For one item, CCS found the “running low” message was used although monthly sales accounted for only 7 per cent of available stock.

Prism+ explained that the indicator applied to any product with more than 100 units in inventory, though this threshold was never disclosed to shoppers.

The agency added that Prism+ published unsubstantiated statements, including claims of industry-wide shortages and complete sell-outs by other brands.

When queried, Prism+ said these statements were made in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic but could not provide evidence to support them.

Investigations further revealed inflated discount claims, including promotions advertised as “up to 67 per cent off” even though the highest attainable discount was 38 per cent.

Prism+ attributed these discrepancies to technical errors and has since rectified the website issues.

Both Courts and Prism+ have provided undertakings to CCS not to engage in such practices in future.

CCS, under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, administers the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.

Although it cannot compel compensation, it can investigate, gather evidence and take enforcement actions.

In serious cases, the agency may seek court orders to stop unfair practices. Non-compliance may result in contempt of court penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

CCS reiterated that businesses should not charge for unsolicited products or make false or misleading claims that pressure consumers into purchases.

It emphasised that countdown timers must reflect genuine deadlines and stock indicators must represent reasonable inventory conditions.

The commission advised consumers to review carts for unexpected items, verify payment amounts and question urgency cues when shopping online.

CCS chief executive Alvin Koh said these interventions form part of broader efforts to curb dark patterns that mislead consumers.

He added that CCS remains committed to promoting fair, transparent and honest digital business practices that support informed consumer decisions.