Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 7) arrested a male director of a renovation company suspected of having applied a false trade description to the renovation service he supplied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that a renovation company director had made a false claim to a customer that the contract price offered by the company would include a special design of furniture and walls designated by the customer. However, after signing the contract, the customer was informed that such specific design work was not included under that price. About $660,000 was involved in the renovation works contract.
After investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a 51-year-old man.
An investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied to a consumer commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, October 8, 2020