Singapore’s consumer watchdog has flagged three online retailers for using “dark patterns” including fake countdowns, false scarcity claims and fabricated visitor numbers to pressure shoppers into purchases.
Singapore’s consumer watchdog has flagged three online retailers for using misleading website features known as “dark patterns” to pressure shoppers into making purchases.
In a statement issued on 18 May 2026, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) said the companies used deceptive online sales tactics including fake visitor counts, fabricated countdown timers and misleading discount claims to create false urgency and demand around products.
The retailers identified were Seager, which operates lifestyle travel store Boarding Gate, mattress retailer Origin Sleep and clothing company Light In The Box.
CCS said all three companies have ceased the practices and provided formal undertakings to the regulator.
According to CCS, Boarding Gate’s website displayed messages claiming to show how many people were viewing certain products in real time.
The regulator said these statements gave shoppers the impression of high...
Singapore’s consumer watchdog has flagged three online retailers for using “dark patterns” including fake countdowns, false scarcity claims and fabricated visitor numbers to pressure shoppers into ...