S'porean man allegedly asked to pay S$298 for 'customs tax' after buying S$1,400 water filter in JB

A Singaporean man was reportedly tricked into paying S$298 of "customs tax" at the Singapore borders after buying a water filter in Johor Bahru which cost S$1,400.

A reader told Mothership that his father had purchased the product from Izonic Alkaline, a shop located in KSL City Mall on Jan. 17.

He later requested for a refund, but was later refused and was allegedly asked to paying the "tax" after being driven back to Singapore and having the items delivered to their doorstep.

Initially "lured" into shop with a "lucky draw"

According to the reader, his parents were initially "lured" into the shop by a "Lucky Draw" campaign, believing they had won free gifts.

Izonic Alkaline, which operates under parent company Izonic Electrical Sdn Bhd, sells home electronics and appliances, such as induction cookers and air fryers.

However, the situation quickly took a turn.

According to the reader, his parents were "pressured" into purchasing a water filter, having been assured that it was available on a 24-month instalment plan for S$60 per month.

Instead, they were apparently charged S$1,400 in full without their consent.

When the reader's father attempted to request a refund, the store reportedly turned him down.

The shop's salesman then offered to drive the couple back to Singapore and deliver the product.

Upon arrival, he demanded an additional S$298 (RM980) for "customs tax", allegedly as he had already paid the fee on their behalf.

When the reader's father later checked with Singapore Customs on Jan. 31, no such tax had been recorded.

The salesperson is also said to have not provided a receipt to date despite multiple requests via WhatsApp and phone calls, leading the reader and his parents to believe that the money had been "pocketed" by the salesman.

He added that the water filter and "free gifts" had been delivered, but remain unopened and brand new in their boxes.

Police report made

The reader's family has since filed a police report on Jan. 18 in Singapore and intends to lodge a report in Johor Bahru to escalate the matter.

While recovering the lost money remains uncertain, the reader said that the family hopes to warn others about these "sales tactics".

Mothership has reached out to Izonic Alkaline and Singapore Police Force for comments.

Top photos by Mothership reader