Hong Kong Customs Probes Alleged Pressure Selling of HK$100,000 Beauty Products to 88-Year-Old
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong customs authorities are investigating claims that an 88-year-old woman was pressured into spending HK$100,000 on beauty products during a three-hour sales encounter at an Avinichi booth in the Wing On department store in Sheung Wan. The woman's daughter, surnamed Ng, shared the experience on social media, describing how her mother was allegedly subjected to aggressive sales tactics that left her feeling confused and exhausted. The case follows a string of similar complaints against Hong Kong's beauty product sector and has prompted authorities to remind consumers of their rights.
Key Points
- The 88-year-old victim visited the Avinichi booth in April, where her credit card was swiped four times over three hours without being returned
- Total charges amounted to HK$100,000 for skincare products, a beauty treatment device, and 24 detoxifying sessions
- The woman's domestic helper attempted to intervene and suggest leaving, but the sales pitch continued unabated
- The family requested a refund, which Avinichi refused, only offering an exchange instead
- Hong Kong Customs confirmed it is actively investigating the case for potential Trade Descriptions Ordinance violations
Why It Matters
This case highlights ongoing concerns about aggressive sales tactics targeting vulnerable elderly consumers in Hong Kong's retail sector. The investigation signals authorities' commitment to enforcing consumer protection laws and could lead to stricter regulations or enforcement actions against beauty product retailers .
This case highlights ongoing concerns about aggressive sales tactics targeting vulnerable elderly consumers in Hong Kong's retail sector. The investigation signals authorities' commitment to enforcing consumer protection laws and could lead to stricter regulations or enforcement actions against beauty product retailers .