SingaporeA company used misleading advertisements. Can I take action?
Yes, you can take action under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act if a company used misleading advertisements — the law prohibits such conduct and allows consumers to seek remedies including refunds or compensation.
What the Law Says
The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA) makes it illegal for businesses to engage in misleading or deceptive conduct when dealing with consumers in Singapore.
Section 4 of the CPFTA specifically prohibits suppliers from engaging in 'unfair practices', which include making false or misleading representations about goods or services. This covers advertisements that deceive or are likely to mislead a reasonable consumer — for example, by exaggerating benefits, hiding key limitations, or falsely claiming endorsements.
The law applies to all suppliers — including companies, sole proprietors, and online sellers — who deal with consumers in Singapore. It does not cover business-to-business transactions unless the buyer is acting as a consumer.
If a supplier breaches section 4, consumers may apply to the courts for remedies such as a refund, replacement, repair, or compensation. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) may also investigate and impose penalties.
Statutory TextA supplier must not engage in an unfair practice in relation to a consumer.
— Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, s. 4 — Unfair practices
What to Do
Gather evidence — save screenshots, printouts, or recordings of the misleading advertisement and any related communications.
Contact the company first — ask for clarification, correction, or redress (e.g., refund or replacement).
Lodge a complaint with CCCS via their online portal at cccs.gov.sg if unresolved.
Consider applying to the Small Claims Tribunals (for claims up to $20,000) or the State Courts for remedies under the CPFTA.
Sources
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JapanNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.