Hong Kong Customs today (July 30) arrested a female salesperson of a smartphone retail shop suspected of applying a false trade description in the sales of a smartphone, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier conducted a test-buy operation at a smartphone retail shop in Mong Kok. A female salesperson claimed that a smartphone was a brand new product in the course of sale of the smartphone.
After investigation, it was found that the smartphone was not a brand new product.
Customs officers today arrested a 55-year-old woman.
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 and appeals to consumers to purchase products at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any person who applies a false trade description to any goods or supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business 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 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, July 30, 2018