Customs officers on Friday arrested two fitness centre employees in Mong Kok for allegedly using aggressive tactics to entice customers into purchasing fitness packages, with one case involving HK$170,000.

Johnny Chong, a divisional commander at the department, said the two people – aged 30 and 31 – were arrested in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

"Customs officers earlier received information that staff members of a chain fitness centre in Mong Kok enticed two customers to visit the fitness centre on the pretext of claiming a prize and redeeming gifts," Chong said.

"Subsequently, the staff members forced the customers to make payments and sign fitness service contracts before allowing them to leave," he added.

Chong explained that the pair had used the victims' mobile phones to apply for digital bank credit cards without their consent, and used them to pay large amounts for fitness services.

He said one of the victims, who lost HK$20,000, has received a full refund and the other victim who lost HK$170,000 has received about HK$100,000 back from the fitness centre.

As the gym in question has eight branches across Hong Kong, officers are investigating whether there have been similar cases.

The department reminded traders to comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

Chong also reminded customers to be cautious when providing their identity or credit card information to salespeople before making any purchases.

Consumers should refuse to sign any documents if they do not clearly know the content of the service or have no intention to purchase the service, Chong added.


Edited by Aaron Tam