findjunting, sad that you're on the same boat now. Hope the damage wasn't that bad.
According to the law, what they are doing is not cheating because this is the layman's definition of cheating. The only thing you can do is make a complaint about misrepresentation and take up the matter to the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) and try to get your money back. I would suggest that you make a police report first so that you can take civil action (i.e Sue) if you want to in future. Not much use going to CASE as they are not interested. I went and I just became a statistic. They told me to go to the media but according to so many others who had written previously here, the media also don't seem interested. Commercial Affairs Dept also don't really bother as I've mentioned earlier, their definition of cheating is different from us. They will only ask you to make a police report.
So what we can do is to go to the SCT.
Step 1: Fill up this form ->
http://app.subcourts.gov.sg/Data/Files/File/SCT/ClaimForm.pdf
You will need 4 copies of this so write 1 and photocopy 4 sets.
Step 2: Buy the business report ->
http://www.bizfile.gov.sg/
$5 to buy the business report. Unfortunately, the website is down till the end of the year so maybe you can try one of the following;
1. Crimsonlogic Pte Ltd
(Formerly known as Singapore Network Services Pte Ltd)
Enquiry Line : 6887 7888
Website:
http://www.crimsonlogic.com.sg
URL to view services:
http://www.biznet.com.sg
2. Dun & Bradstreet (Singapore) Pte Ltd (D&B)
Enquiry Line : 6565 6262
Website:
http://www.dnb.com.sg
3. DP Information Network Pte Ltd (DPI)
Enquiry Line : 6738 1900
Website:
http://www.dpgroup.com.sg/dpinfo
URL to view services:
http://www.1questnet.com
Step 3: Go down to the SCT @ the Subordinate Courts (Chinatown MRT) and submit the form and business report along with 1 set of supporting evidence (receipt, warranty card etc) to the counter. Press a ticket for "registration" if you have all the documents ready. If not, you can just press the "enquiry" button for more info. If you need to photocopy, there is a photocopying service at the 7th story. 15cents per copy. Filing period is 9-12 and 2-4 p.m. There is a $10 charge for filing a complaint.
Step 4: The registry will arrange a date for you and the owner of the company to come down to mediate a payment. If you are happy with what they are offering you, you can close the case there and then. If not, you can take this to the next level where the meeting will take place before a referee (legally trained/qualified person) and both of you can present your case. The referee will make the decision. You can still appeal but then it's to the high court next. Hopefully you will get everything settle by the time you reach the referee.
If you have tons of money, just sue them. That would be the best way actually. These companies will continue to operate because the victims settle it before it reaches too high. My advice is to stay firm and fight for the full amount which you have paid for (in the event where they wrote a lower amt on the receipt than what you actually paid for). It is disappointing that legally, we consumers are not protected from such scams and deception. This is what you get when your country is practising free trade.
Although, CASE will not do anything, maybe with enough people complaining, they will in future. The problem is that most of the people are not willing to put in the effort to make a difference. As long as they get their money back, they don't care. Sure speaks alot about the condition of our society now. I for one, am going all out in an awareness drive. I don't want my family or friends to be scammed.
