Man, 25, duped of HK$450 for ‘sexual conviction record’ check after looking online for tutoring jobs
Police have arrested a 41-year-old con man released from jail earlier this year, who posed as a parent looking for a teacher for his child
A con man released from jail earlier this year was arrested by Hong Kong police on Friday for allegedly duping a man of HK$450 (US$57.70) for a “sexual conviction record” check.
Police said the 41-year-old bachelor contacted the 25-year-old local resident, a fresh university graduate, after seeing his online posts in August seeking work as a private tutor.
Posing as a parent who wanted a teacher for his child, the suspect called the victim on August 29 to ask for HK$450 to check on the victim’s sexual conviction record with police. They met in the Eastern district, where the suspect took the money and gave the victim a receipt.
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Inspector Denise Li Ka-chai of Sha Tin police district said initial investigations showed there was no sexual conviction record check done in the victim’s name. In fact, those who want this background check must apply in person at the Sexual Conviction Record Check office at the police headquarters in Wan Chai. The fee is HK$115.
The victim suspected that something was amiss when he could not contact the suspect after their meeting. He made a police report on October 6.
After a two-week investigation, officers picked up the suspect during a raid on his home in a private housing estate – Chi Fu Fa Yuen – in Pok Fu Lam at about 7.30am on Friday.
They seized a mobile phone, a computer, a mobile phone SIM card and some blank receipts in the flat where the man lives with his parents.