Debated in Parliament on 5 May 2026.
Ms Joan Pereira asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in view of the significant prepayment losses by consumers in various sectors, particularly beauty and wellness, (a) whether the Ministry has information on the age groups of the victims; (b) if so, whether seniors aged above 60 had been more severely affected; and (c) whether the Ministry would review and tighten regulations regarding prepayments for greater consumer protection for the elderly.
Of the reports filed by consumers with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) on prepayment losses in 2025, 32% of the cases concerned consumers aged 60 years old and above. They also make up 42% of the total amount of prepayment losses filed. Specifically, for prepayment loss reports filed in the beauty and wellness sector, consumers aged 60 and above make up 35% of the cases, and 31% of the total amount of losses. The percentages are reflective of the proportion of residents aged 60 and above in the total adult resident population of Singapore.
The Government has been working closely with CASE to educate and safeguard consumers against prepayment risks. For example, we have worked with CASE to develop industry-specific CaseTrust accreditation schemes, which include the beauty and wellness or renovation sectors. Consumers of CaseTrust-accredited businesses can claim a refund of the unused portion of their prepayments if the accredited business closes under the scheme's mandatory prepayment protection. CASE also organises consumer education events to raise awareness of prepayment risks, including talks catered to elderly consumers.
In addition, the Government has convened an independent Consumer Protection Review Panel to review key consumer concerns, including the adequacy of existing protections for high-value package purchases.
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