Now property bosses - who insist self-regulation is the best way forward - are to consider whether the ID scheme is one way of getting their own house in order.

The National Association of Estate Agents in Britain introduced a similar system in January.

The Society of Hongkong Real Estate Agents will discuss the proposal at its next council meeting.

The society's treasurer, Ms Anne Connel, said: ''I've never heard of this before but it certainly sounds interesting.

''Anything which is going to establish the society better will be given due consideration.

''It's main advantage will be in clients feeling a lot more comfortable in knowing they have someone they can go back to.'' The Government is to look at the possibility of licensing estate agents in an investigation into ways of controlling the industry.

The Consumer Council and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) are spearheading the campaign for new legislation.

Three estate agents' directors were found guilty of tricking clients into selling their properties at below market prices and selling them at a higher price last month.

The firm producing the cards in Britain urged Hongkong agents to take action.

Mr Jonathan Wood, regional manager of Photo-Me, said: ''There's going to be a fight between the Government, which appears to want to legislate, and the estate agents, who want self-regulation.

''The clients are a bit concerned because a few estate agents are ripping them off.

''If they have cards giving a form of identification, then that will be a start.''