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Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 5) arrested a female director and a male staff member of a Wi-Fi router rental service provider. They were suspected of accepting payment without providing service to consumers during the course of business, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received nine complaints from members of the public about a Wi-Fi router rental service provider at Chek Lap Kok which failed to provide service after receiving payment. After initial investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a 27-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man. Investigation is ongoing and the duo have been put on bail.
Customs reminded traders to comply with the legislative requirements to avoid violating the TDO. Consumers should shop with prudence and ask if in doubt.
Under the TDO, it is a criminal offence if, at the time of a trader's accepting payment for a product, there are no reasonable grounds for believing that the trader will be able to supply the products within the period specified by the trader or within a reasonable period, or the trader intends not to supply the product or intends to supply a materially different product. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Customs will continue to crack down on unfair trade practices for protection of consumer rights. Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, May 6, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:01
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