Latest news with #sgCarMart
New Paper
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Paper
Car services company admits to posting fake reviews on sgCarMart
The owner of an automobile services company has admitted to posting AI-generated five-star reviews on car listing website sgCarMart, said Singapore's consumer watchdog on July 3. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) said it received a complaint from a customer of Lambency Detailing, a company which provides car painting and detailing services, after she found unauthorised reviews posted under her name. Following an investigation, CCCS found that seven other customers were also victims to these fake reviews, and their vehicles registration numbers and photographs had been posted without their consent. Holding company Quantum Globe, which owns and operates Lambency Detailing, admitted to submitting false reviews when confronted with the evidence, said CCCS in a statement. The reviews were submitted through a QR code provided by sgCarMart, which allowed users to submit feedback without an account on the car listing website, Facebook or Google. Quantum Globe said that the reviews, customised based on services received by each customer, were generated by ChatGPT. Posting fake customer reviews is an unfair trade practice, said CCCS. "Consumers might be misled into thinking that the product is more well-received than it actually is, and thus make misinformed purchase decisions." Quantum Global director Matthew Lim has promised that he will not engage in further unfair trade practices, said CCCS. The company has agreed to, for six months, set up a channel which allows customers to report any fake reviews that have been posted on sgCarMart. It will also publish notices on sgCarMart and other online platforms that it has posted fake reviews. The company will also notify customers whose details were used in these reviews, and remove them within eight days. SGCM, which owns and operates sgCarMart, said that it is exploring additional verification measures, such as SMS or e-mail confirmation, to improve the integrity and authenticity of reviews. CCCS chief executive Alvin Koh said that this is the second fake review case that the watchdog has uncovered, and the first which involves a third-party platform and AI. "When businesses post fake reviews to boost their ratings and popularity, they poison the well of consumer trust," he said. "Such deceptive practices, also known as "dark patterns", not only mislead consumers but also disadvantage honest competing businesses." Those who would like to report cases of unfair trade practices may contact the Consumers Association of Singapore at 6277 5100 during office hours or submit a complaint online.
AsiaOne
03-07-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Daily roundup: Car detailing shop admits using ChatGPT to write fake 5-star reviews on sgCarMart — and other top stories today, World News
Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Car detailing shop admits using ChatGPT to write fake 5-star reviews on sgCarMart The owner of a local automotive detailer has admitted to generating fake five-star customer reviews and posting them on its business page on popular online car platform sgCarMart for the last two years. This comes after the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) launched an investigation into Lambency Detailing in January, following a customer complaint regarding unauthorised reviews using her name... » READ MORE 2. 'I learnt my lesson': Jackson Wang recounts losing '30% to 40%' of income after lending money to someone Jackson Wang's popularity stems not just from his good looks and talent, but also his kindheartedness, which has often captured the hearts of his fans worldwide. But it seems that his good nature has also resulted in him losing a large sum of money... » READ MORE 3. Craving the king of fruit? These places have all-you-can-eat durian buffets Durian season is upon us, which means that it's the best time to indulge in the king of fruit. If you want to enjoy some free-flow durian, several restaurants and supermarkets are offering all-you-can-eat buffets for not just the fruit, but unique durian dishes too like Durian Chicken Soup and Sambal Durian Roasted Chicken... » READ MORE 4. 'Cracks in the wall': Shatec reportedly closing down amid operational difficulties Shatec, a hospitality and tourism training institute in Singapore, is reportedly shutting down after more than 40 years of operation, due to operational difficulties. Chinese publication Shin Min Daily News reported that real estate firm CBRE has been appointed as the exclusive marketing agent for Shatec's main campus building at Bukit Batok Street 22... » READ MORE editor@
AsiaOne
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
Car detailing shop admits using ChatGPT to write fake 5-star reviews on sgCarMart , Singapore News
The owner of a local automotive detailer has admitted to generating fake five-star customer reviews and posting them on its business page on popular online car platform sgCarMart for the last two years. This comes after the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) launched an investigation into Lambency Detailing in January, following a customer complaint regarding unauthorised reviews using her name. In a media release on Thursday (July 3), the consumer watchdog said it confirmed with seven other Lambency Detailing customers that false reviews containing their names, car plate numbers, and photographs of their vehicles had been posted on sgCarMart without their consent. CCCS said it also used digital technology and algorithms in its investigations, which found mass postings of suspicious five-star reviews on sgCarMart on certain dates. When shown evidence, Holding company Quantum Globe, which owns and operates Lambency Detailing, admitted to having used their customers' information without their knowledge or consent to create the reviews. Submitted through a QR code provided by users did not need a prior account with Facebook, or Google to leave reviews on businesses. Quantum Globe also admitted that it had used ChatGPT to generate customised content based on the services each customer received. The operator has agreed to stop posting fake reviews and set up a feedback channel for six months to allow the reporting of any fake reviews on sgCarMart. It has also agreed to notify customers whose details were used in reviews posted by Quantum Globe as well as publish notices on sgCarMart and any online platforms it uses for marketing for a six-month period, to inform customers it had posted fake reviews and alert them of the feedback channel. Lastly, the business has also agreed to remove any fake reviews on sgCarMart within eight working days, including the seven reviews identified by CCCS during investigations. Quantum Globe director Matthew Lim has also given an undertaking to CCCS that he will not engage in any unfair trade practice or facilitate any business under his control to do so, said the consumer watchdog. Second fake review case: CCCS SGCM, which owns and operates sgCarMart, has also informed CCCS it is exploring additional verification measures like SMS or email confirmation to enhance the integrity and authenticity of submitted reviews. CCCS chief executive Alvin Koh said this is the second fake review case the regulator has uncovered, and the first involving both a third-party platform and the use of AI. "When businesses post fake reviews to boost their ratings and popularity, they poison the well of consumer trust," he elaborated. "Such deceptive practices, also known as 'dark patterns', not only mislead consumers but also disadvantage honest competing businesses." The public can report cases of unfair trade practices to the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) at 6277 5100 or 'Actively reviewing our content': Lambency Detailing In a Facebook post on Thursday, Lambency Detailing said it was found that the reviews had been posted "by a staff member on behalf of customers, without their explicit knowledge or consent". The detailer said it takes such matters very seriously, and that misrepresentation of customer feedback does not reflect the standards it strives to maintain. It added that it has implemented stricter internal controls and staff training to prevent similar occurrences and will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities. "We are actively reviewing our content and strengthening our internal processes," said the business. "We appreciate your continued trust as we work to uphold high standards of service and accountability." [[nid:719148]]
Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Car services company admits to posting AI-generated reviews on sgCarMart
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox In the fake reviews, the names, vehicle registration numbers and vehicle photographs of customers were used without consent. SINGAPORE - The owner of an automobile services company has admitted to posting AI-generated five-star reviews on car listing website sgCarMart, said Singapore's consumer watchdog on July 3. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) said it received a complaint from a customer of Lambency Detailing, a company which provides car painting and detailing services, after she found unauthorised reviews posted under her name. Following an investigation, CCCS found that seven other customers were also victims to these fake reviews, and their vehicles registration numbers and photographs had been posted without their consent. Holding company Quantum Globe, which owns and operates Lambency Detailing, admitted to submitting false reviews when confronted with the evidence, said CCCS in a statement. The reviews were submitted through a QR code provided by sgCarMart, which allowed users to submit feedback without an account on the car listing website, Facebook or Google. Quantum Globe said that the reviews, customised based on services received by each customer, were generated by ChatGPT. Posting fake customer reviews is an unfair trade practice, said CCCS. 'Consumers might be misled into thinking that the product is more well-received than it actually is, and thus make misinformed purchase decisions.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $500 in Child LifeSG credits, Edusave, Post-Sec Education Account top-ups to be disbursed in July Singapore Over 40% of Singaporean seniors have claimed SG60 vouchers: Low Yen Ling Asia 4 dead, 38 missing after ferry sinks on way to Indonesia's Bali Singapore $1.46b nickel-trading scam: Ng Yu Zhi's bid for bail midway through trial denied by High Court Singapore Pedestrian-only path rules to be enforced reasonably; focus on errant cyclists: Baey Yam Keng Singapore Jail for 'sugar daddy' who gave minor cash for sex, threatened to post her explicit videos online Singapore Train service resumes across Bukit Panjang LRT line after power fault led to 3-hour disruption Singapore Is using Gen AI for schoolwork and tests cheating? Quantum Global director Matthew Lim has promised that he will not engage in further unfair trade practices, said CCCS. The company has agreed to, for six months, set up a channel which allows customers to report any fake reviews that have been posted on sgCarMart. It will also publish notices on sgCarMart and other online platforms that it has posted fake reviews. The company will also notify customers whose details were used in these reviews, and remove them within eight days. SGCM, which owns and operates sgCarMart, said that it is exploring additional verification measures, such as SMS or e-mail confirmation, to improve the integrity and authenticity of reviews. CCCS chief executive Alvin Koh said that this is the second fake review case that the watchdog has uncovered, and the first which involves a third-party platform and AI. 'When businesses post fake reviews to boost their ratings and popularity, they poison the well of consumer trust,' he said. 'Such deceptive practices, also known as 'dark patterns', not only mislead consumers but also disadvantage honest competing businesses.'
AsiaOne
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
Land Rover Defender lineup gets facelift, Lifestyle News
Land Rover has announced that its Defender 4x4 lineup will get a facelift, sporting upgraded finishes, design, and technology enhancements across the 90, 110 and 130 body designs - including the Defender OCTA. The Defender's tough exterior receives optimised surfaces for its new front and rear bumpers - whether finished in Silicon Silver or Carpathian Grey Satin on most models - and a new textured pattern for its bonnet inserts and side vents. All models get new Gloss Black Defender-branded wheel centre caps. Redesigned headlights provide a distinctive new signature when lit, while its flush-fitting taillights now have a dark tinted finish. A gloss black grille-bar complemented by a dark oval badge now comes as standard. In addition, the lineup will get a refreshed palette of exterior colours and finishes, including Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey. Inside, a new 13.1-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system brings all of the Defender's technology highlights to its front-row occupants via a larger display. A sliding section hides small items out of sight in a closed cubby while maintaining access to the deeper stowage area beneath. Available as part of the Signature Suite upgrade, removable side pockets further enhance convenience, with cable routing to keep items charged without wires trailing around the cabin. Alternatively, clients can opt for the centre "jump" seat for practical three-abreast seating across the front on most models. The Defender is now available with optional Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control for the first time, allowing the driver to set a desired comfort level when negotiating rough terrain. As for the Defender OCTA, heralded as the extreme performance hero of the unstoppable Defender family, it now has a revised colour palette: In addition to existing Charente Grey and Petra Copper colours, clients can also choose from Borasco Grey and all-new Sargasso Blue. In addition to the existing Matte Protective Film available on all Defender OCTA exteriors, clients will also be able to choose a Patagonia White Matte Wrap finish from late 2025. Chopped Carbon Fibre exterior and interior accents can now be specified on the Defender OCTA as an option, along with further personalisation options including Matte Protective Film, four interior colourways, and a choice of wheel and tyre combinations including 20-inch forged alloy wheels. An optional Defender accessory pack, titled the Urban Pack, allows clients to personalise their vehicle. New individual accessories include black variations of the Cross Bars and Front Undershield, while the rear scuff plate is now also offered in a dark finish, in addition to its existing bright finish. The facelifted Defender lineup is now on sale in the UK. [[nid:712807]] This article was first published in sgCarMart .
