Stay safe when shopping online

Shop smart and learn how to spot the red flags 

From social media to e-commerce sites, it’s convenient to buy things online. However, it’s hard to tell who the sellers are, and whether they are selling fake health products or if their services are safe.  

Look out for warning signs when you shop online 

• Exaggerated and sensational headlines 
• Messy or inconsistent formatting 
• Spelling and grammatical errors 
• Mismatched or misleading images 
• Suspicious celebrity endorsements 
• Misspelled or incorrect website addresses 

Potential risks 

• Products may contain harmful ingredients 
  Choosing safe, approved health products is essential for your wellbeing. False and Illegal health products like contact lenses, pills, and liquids may contain ingredients that cause serious side effects or complications such as diarrhoea, headache, pain, skin rashes, swelling of hands and feet, vomiting – and even death. They may worsen existing medical conditions too. To protect yourself and loved ones, always buy from trusted sources. 
   
• Unsafe procedures can do more harm 
  Unqualified individuals lack proper training, and they are ill-equipped to provide safe or effective care. They may use unsafe products, leading to infections, scarring, hospitalisation and even death. Using their services can worsen medical conditions and delay timely treatment.  
   
• Seller might not be contactable  
  Anyone can create an online platform like websites or social media accounts such as those on Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, online sellers can appear and disappear overnight, making it hard to track them down for help, complaints or refunds.  

Protect yourself and loved ones 

• Your health comes first. Take a moment to choose safety over price or convenience when shopping online. 
• Get your medicines from licensed clinics, pharmacies, and trusted stores to ensure they are safe and effective. To check if a healthcare product is registered, visit the Health Sciences Authority’s (HSA) Infosearch for Health Products and Services. 
• Ensure any medical treatment is performed by a registered healthcare professional or by a licensed healthcare service provider.
  If you have any questions about your or your loved ones’ health, your doctor or dentist is always there to help. 

Additional things you can do

• If you notice any side effects, stop using the product or discontinue the treatment immediately and see your doctor or dentist. 
• Unsure about a health product or service? It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor or dentist before deciding. 

For other enquiries, you can contact MOH using the following information.  

• For general line enquiries: 6325 9220 
• For service-related matters: 1800 225 4122* 

*Operating hours are from Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays), 8.30am - 6.00pm. 

Adapted from HSA’s Consumer Safety Articles