An elderly man’s lunch at a Redhill mixed rice stall has turned into a police case after his child alleged he was overcharged by S$10 through multiple CDC voucher deductions, in addition to cash payment.
The claim first surfaced on Reddit on 5 August, when the man’s child posted a warning urging the public to “beware of CDC voucher scammers”. The post sparked a wave of angry reactions from netizens, many expressing concern for vulnerable seniors who may not be tech-savvy.
According to the Redditor, the incident occurred on 2 August. The elderly man had purchased a S$6.50 meal and attempted to pay S$5 of the total with a printed CDC voucher — a format he used because he was unfamiliar with smartphone transactions. The cashier allegedly scanned the voucher but claimed it was invalid. After a similar response to a second voucher, the cashier asked for a third. At that point, the man became suspicious but opted to pay the full bill in cash before leaving.
Later, his child checked his CDC voucher transaction history and discovered two successful S$5 deductions at the same stall — meaning the man had unknowingly paid S$16.50 for his lunch. Believing it to be a scam, the family filed a police report.
Stall Responds, Denies Intentional Wrongdoing
Authorities Monitoring CDC Voucher Misuse
The Singapore Police Force confirmed that a report had been lodged and investigations are ongoing. The incident has reignited conversations about the potential exploitation of CDC vouchers, particularly among seniors unfamiliar with digital payment systems.
With the government continuing to promote CDC voucher usage to help households manage daily expenses and support local businesses, consumer protection remains critical. Experts advise residents to keep track of their voucher transaction histories and report discrepancies promptly to both merchants and the authorities.
If proven, this case could prompt tighter guidelines and stricter merchant training to ensure the scheme benefits its intended recipients without abuse.