Hong Kong Customs today (November 9) arrested a woman suspected of applying a false trade description to numerology consultation services, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that a female numerology consultant, in the sale of numerology consultation services, claimed that the services' academic qualification had been approved by a relevant statutory body, which was suspected to be a false trade description.
After investigation, Customs found that the numerology consultation services provided by the consultant had not been accredited by the relevant statutory body, which was contrary to the claim.
Customs officers subsequently conducted an operation today and arrested the 32-year-old female numerology consultant. An investigation is ongoing and the arrested woman has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Consumers should also procure services at reputable traders and inquire about the service details before making a transactional decision.
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/Tuesday, November 9, 2021