Opatra London Denies Fraud Allegations, Returns HK$16,000, Accuses Crying Woman of Defamation
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Opatra London issued a detailed statement on September 17 denying any fraudulent sales practices, claiming all transactions at its Sha Tin New Town Plaza branch were conducted voluntarily. The company said it returned HK$16,000 to the customer after learning of her financial difficulties, but is now accusing her of harassment and defamation. The UK headquarters confirmed the Hong Kong store operates under a local distribution partner and stated it is directly reviewing the matter. This dispute comes as the Hong Kong government has proposed legislation to establish mandatory cooling-off periods for prepaid contracts in the beauty and fitness sectors.
Key Points
- The customer filmed a viral video claiming a staff member complimented her clothing, invited her inside for photos, then pressured her into a HK$60,000 purchase
- She reported her skin became red and swollen after product application and sought medical attention before reporting the matter to police
- Opatra London stated it has returned HK$16,000 because the customer "experienced repayment ability problems," denying the HK$20,000 interest claim
- The company emphasized its store uses full floor-to-ceiling glass windows with doors open, asserting all transactions were voluntary and free
- Police advised her to return to the store, where staff offered only HK$18,000 compensation
Why It Matters
The dispute highlights ongoing concerns about aggressive sales tactics in Hong Kong's beauty retail sector, particularly involving elderly or vulnerable consumers. This case gains added relevance as the government recently proposed legislation for mandatory cooling-off periods for prepaid beauty and fitness contracts, as well as extending investigative powers to customs officers for handling unfair trade practices. Consumer advocates have long argued such protections are needed to prevent predatory sales targeting tourists and elderly residents alike .
The dispute highlights ongoing concerns about aggressive sales tactics in Hong Kong's beauty retail sector, particularly involving elderly or vulnerable consumers. This case gains added relevance as the government recently proposed legislation for mandatory cooling-off periods for prepaid beauty and fitness contracts, as well as extending investigative powers to customs officers for handling unfair trade practices. Consumer advocates have long argued such protections are needed to prevent predatory sales targeting tourists and elderly residents alike .