Family raises alarm after elderly woman unknowingly racks up S$5K bill at Bedok beauty shop

A Singaporean woman in her seventies who cannot read English found herself unexpectedly charged over S$5,000 at a beauty salon in Bedok. The incident highlights a concerning trend where elderly individuals often fall victim to deceptive sales tactics used by some beauty businesses. In June 2025, the Competition & Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) warned of a specific brand of beauty salons known for targeting seniors, with some clients ending up paying thousands of dollars for services they did not request or understand.

The aggrieved woman was approached by an employee of a beauty products wholesaler while strolling near Bedok Central and POSB. After receiving free samples, she was taken to a shop where she received a facial she didn't request and was pressured into buying beauty products and prepaid sessions she didn't comprehend. The woman thought she had paid only S$3,000 in cash, but upon checking the receipt with her family, they discovered she had actually spent S$5,000, with the balance deducted via multiple NETS transactions.

Fortunately, her family managed to obtain a refund after visiting the shop in person. The Reddit user shared the story to warn others and emphasize the importance of elderly relatives being cautious and aware of their surroundings. They advised against being pressured by anyone to enter a shop or purchase items, especially when they are unsure of what is being offered or bought.

This warning comes after another recent case where a 70-year-old woman reportedly lost around S$1,000 after agreeing to a S$10 massage. Both families have demanded full refunds.