Incident Overview

In a startling incident that has raised eyebrows across Singapore, a woman found herself faced with an unexpected charge of S$7.99 after scanning a QR code for a supposed “free” ice cream offer at a Jollibee outlet in Waterway Point. The incident was brought to light by her husband, Andy Quek, who took to social media to share his wife’s unsettling experience.

Details of the Offer

On November 8, Mr. Quek posted in the Complaint Singapore Facebook group, detailing how his wife scanned a QR code displayed on a standee at Jollibee, which promised a free serving of either vanilla twirl ice cream or regular fries to participants who completed a survey. However, things took a turn for the worse when his wife was prompted to enter her phone number and subsequently received a text that she had subscribed to a service called "Next Battle," incurring a charge of S$7.99 on their SingTel bill.

Response from Jollibee and SingTel

Despite promptly canceling the subscription after receiving the alarming message, the couple was still hit with the charge on their bill dated November 7. Mr. Quek, visibly frustrated, questioned Jollibee's ethics in his social media post, implying that the fast-food giant was engaging in deceptive practices.

Further Actions Taken

Following the social media outcry, Mr. Quek took steps to resolve the matter. He reached out to Jollibee through their official Facebook and Instagram pages and indicated his intention to file a police report. In subsequent updates, he revealed that the company had responded, assuring him that an investigation was underway, with feedback expected by November 11.

Investigation and Resolution

Interestingly, SingTel also contacted Mr. Quek, offering a one-time waiver for the charge. However, Mr. Quek refused, arguing that waiving the fee would merely allow Jollibee to evade accountability while SingTel absorbed the cost. Instead, he decided to pursue Jollibee for a resolution.

Outcome of the Incident

In a twist to the story, Mr. Quek later announced that Jollibee had agreed to refund the S$7.99 charge. Furthermore, he disclosed that the police had initiated their investigation into the matter, noting that the QR code appeared legitimate and there were no warnings regarding potential charges associated with scanning it.

Consumer Awareness

The incident has raised significant concerns among customers, many of whom speculated that the QR code might have been tampered with — a tactic known to be used in various scams. With the increasing reliance on digital interactions, consumers are advised to be cautious when scanning QR codes, particularly in public settings.

Conclusion

This incident highlights the importance of consumer awareness in navigating promotional offers and the potential pitfalls of digital interactions in modern shopping experiences. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen how Jollibee will address these alarming allegations and safeguard its customers from such scams moving forward. Stay tuned for further developments in this unfolding story that is gripping the attention of Singaporeans!