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The website falsely claimed that the auction was confiscated by the customs of electronic products: it has never been auctioned by outside parties

2023-02-08T13:08:32.440Z


Recently, someone set up a special page and a shopping website on Facebook, falsely claiming with pictures and texts that Hong Kong Customs auctioned a batch of smuggled electronic products seized, and even claimed that the proceeds from the auction were used for charitable purposes. Hong Kong Customs today


Recently, someone set up a special page and a shopping website on Facebook, falsely claiming with pictures and texts that Hong Kong Customs auctioned a batch of smuggled electronic products seized, and even claimed that the proceeds from the auction were used for charitable purposes.

Hong Kong Customs clarified today (February 8) that it has never auctioned confiscated goods through any social platforms or websites, and appealed to the public to be vigilant and not to be deceived.


Customs once again reiterated that after completing the legal procedures of the case, it will follow the strict established guidelines to classify and dispose of the confiscated items in the case.

If the relevant item is suitable for public auction, it will only be handed over to the relevant government departments in Hong Kong for co-ordination and follow-up, and will never cooperate with any outsiders or groups for auction.


Some scammers falsely claimed that Hong Kong Customs auctioned off a batch of seized smuggled electronic products, and even claimed that the proceeds from the auction were used for charitable purposes.

(webpage Screenshot)

Customs stated that criminals have repeatedly posted similar content on newly opened social platform pages and websites, and such social platform pages and websites may appear again in the future, calling on the public to be more vigilant.

Customs pointed out that the social platform page and website sent out false information in an attempt to mislead consumers, suspected of infringing intellectual property rights, and may violate Hong Kong's "Trade Descriptions Ordinance" and "Copyright Ordinance".

Customs has requested relevant social platforms and website operators to remove relevant information and links as soon as possible.

Customs urges consumers to remain vigilant when shopping online, patronize reputable merchants or stores, and refrain from purchasing items of unknown origin on unknown and suspicious websites or social platforms.

If you have doubts about the online shopping products, you can directly inquire with the brand owner or the relevant merchants to avoid losses.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offense for any person to sell or possess for sale a counterfeit article.

In addition, according to the "Ordinance", "trade description" in relation to goods refers to any description of such goods or any part of such goods (including manufacturing, production, processing methods, previous ownership or use, etc.) to make direct or indirect indications.

Merchants shall not provide consumers with any false or misleading product information.

A trader may commit a false trade description offense if he makes a false or materially misleading statement about the goods in question.

Violation of the Ordinance is a serious offense and the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

In addition, according to the "Copyright Ordinance", any person who, without the license of the copyright owner, distributes copyright infringing copies through any device or electronic platform to the extent that damages the rights of the copyright owner, or possesses copyright infringing materials for commercial purposes, It is an offense and upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 per infringing article and imprisonment for 4 years.

Customs urges members of the public to report to the Customs by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or reporting crimes through the dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) if they discover any suspected improper marketing practices or infringing activities.

Source: hk1

All news articles on 2023-02-08

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