A learning centre was fined $3,000 today (April 6) at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts for applying a false trade description to the service supplied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). The centre was also ordered to pay the four victims a total of $35,600 in compensation.
Hong Kong Customs earlier received information alleging that a learning centre applied a false trade description in the sale of a three-day training course in Japan. After investigation, it was found that the learning centre arranged to award participants upon completing the course with a certificate from an issuing authority different from the one stated in the course advertisement.
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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, April 6, 2017