Beware of deceptive sales tactics, warns watchdog
Watchdog cautions consumers against being tricked by unscrupulous companies into buying memberships for products they may not want
Some tactics used to talk people into buying or renewing hotel or dining club memberships are not just misleading but even close to deception, the Consumer Council has warned.
The watchdog said yesterday it had received 124 complaints about such practices that ranged from a person being tricked into renewing a membership to one who bought a membership that turned out to have nothing to do with the hotel in question.
"When there is enough proof, those using such tactics could be prosecuted," said Michael Hui King-man, the chairman of the council's publicity and community relations committee.
"[But] it's hard to gather evidence unless there is a recording of the telephone conversation."
Legitimate memberships entitle consumers to discounts and sometimes free stays in hotels.