2 California Fitness staffers arrested on unfair trade practices

Customs officers arrested two staffers of gym chain operator California Fitness in Mong Kok for alleged violation of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, Apple Daily reports.

The suspects, a 33-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman, were arrested at the fitness center in Grand Plaza around 2 p.m. Tuesday.

The Customs Department acted on the complaint of a female customer who was allegedly forced to spend HK$10,000 on a membership contract using her credit card.

A spokesperson said California Fitness is looking into the complaint, adding that the company continues to train staff on providing quality services to members.

Lawmaker Tang Ka-piu of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions said his group has received about 20 complaints of unfair trade practices against fitness centers in less than a year.

The cases involved a combined HK$2.59 million spent on membership fees and other services.

Meanwhile, the Customs Department reminded consumers to be wary of products and services being offered by salespersons, adding that they should be careful in presenting important documents such as their credit and identity cards, Ming Pao Daily reports.

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