Three Online Retailers Caught Using False Urgency Tactics and Misleading Claims to Pressure Shoppers

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCS”)—Singapore's regulator for competition and consumer protection—has found three online retailers namely, Seager Inc. (which operates Boarding Gate), Origin Sleep, and Light In The Box, using misleading website features commonly known as "dark patterns" to influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. The three retailers were found displaying fake visitor counts, fabricated countdown timers, and false discount claims to create artificial urgency and demand around their products.

All three companies have provided formal undertakings to CCS, ceased their misleading practices, and committed to avoiding unfair trade practices in the future. Light In The Box has also removed misleading claims from its Singapore-facing and European-facing website and mobile application. 

"Dark Patterns are insidious as they are difficult to detect and erode consumer trust in the digital marketplace. CCS will continue taking firm action to protect consumer trust and honest businesses from those who choose to compete unfairly," said CCS Chief Executive Mr Alvin Koh.

This enforcement action signals Singapore's commitment to protecting consumers from misleading practices that create false impressions of popularity, scarcity, and urgency. The cases highlight how these misleading practices can spread across borders through off-the-shelf templates and multi-market platforms.

Please refer to the media release for more details.