Two People Arrested Over Alleged Online Diaper Fraud

Customs officers on Thursday said they have arrested two people for allegedly accepting HK$230,000 for prepaid baby diapers – but failing to deliver the items.

The 46-year-old manager and 46-year-old director of an online diaper shop were arrested on suspicion of wrongly accepting payments in violation of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

Authorities said they have been released on bail pending further investigation.

During a press briefing, deputy head of the Trade Descriptions Investigation Bureau, Catherine Ho, said officials have received almost 220 reports of non-delivery since March.

One of the victims, she said, paid HK$18,000 for 300 sets of diaper vouchers.

Ho reminded customers to be extra cautious when it comes to online shopping.

“Customers should consider placing orders with reputable shops and keeping a record of their receipts and orders to ensure secure transactions and facilitate any subsequent complaints to law enforcement agencies," Ho said.

She also urged other victims to report their cases as soon as possible.