More consumers complain about mobile phone purchases

The Consumers Association of Singapore or CASE says there is a rising trend of complaints against the handphone retail industry.

There were nearly 500 such cases in the first half of this year - up from 259 in the same period of 2010.

CASE says defective goods, overcharging, and old handphones being passed off as new ones were among the top complaints.

In addition, consumers were asked to fork out more money for additional services such as registration of warranty.

CASE says that foreigners studying or working in Singapore make up a significant part of consumers complaining about handphone purchases .

CASE is also urging consumers to be cautious about dubious retailers and to conduct price comparisons with other shops.

Executive director of CASE, Seah Seng Choon, tells us how CASE deals with dubious retailers:

"We will invite them for voluntary compliance agreement and if they refuse to sign the agreement, we can take an injunction or declaration to stop them from continuing the unfair practice."