A chain electronic products supplier was fined $10,000 today (February 28) at Fanling Magistrates' Courts after being convicted of bait advertising, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
The supplier published an advertisement in a newspaper in October 2015 to offer to supply a tablet model at an attractive price. A member of the public visited the shop on the same day and found the advertisement there. Upon enquiry, a salesperson said that the price and functions of the tablet were wrongly printed in the advertisement and hence could not be supplied at the attractive price. After investigation by Hong Kong Customs, the trader was prosecuted for having engaged in bait advertising.
Customs reminded traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Under the TDO, a trader who engages in unfair trade practices in the course of trade or business commits a criminal 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/Tuesday, February 28, 2017