Hong Kong Launches Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 to Combat Financial Fraud

Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), the Insurance Authority (IA) and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) today (July 9) announced the launch of the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 (the Charter 3.0). This joint effort is fully supported by the Consumer Council, the Hong Kong Association of Banks, the Hong Kong Police Force, and the Office of the Communications Authority.

Building on the success of the Charters 1.0 and 2.0, launched in 2023 and 2024 respectively, the Charter 3.0 represents a significant step forward in anti-scam actions by establishing a collaborative framework between financial regulators and technology firms and telecommunications firms in combatting financial fraud and scams targeting the Hong Kong public. The Charter 3.0 introduces six key principles (see Annex), focusing on the reporting of suspected financial fraud and scams, checking of advertisers, internal monitoring processes, enforcement of terms of service, and collaboration on public education and awareness.

During the launch event, executives from financial regulators, technology firms and telecommunications firms engaged in productive discussions on the latest trends of financial fraud and scams as well as their collaborative efforts for the common purpose of combatting such fraud and scams.

The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, "The fight against financial fraud and scams and to protect the public requires a united front, bringing together the public and private sectors, as well as the community at large. The Charter 3.0 represents a significant milestone in this endeavour, harnessing the collective strength of the financial, technology, and telecommunications industries to better safeguard the public."

The Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung,added, "The Charter 3.0 is a meaningful step forward, bringing in major technology and telecommunications companies to join the fight against online scams. It is our shared responsibility to disrupt these threats at their source. This initiative not only echoes global governments and regulators' call to action but also positions Hong Kong as a leader in safeguarding the financial world's digital future. Together, we are building a safer, more responsible online landscape that prioritises vigilance, collaboration, and public trust."

The Chief Executive Officer of the IA, Mr Clement Cheung,said, "The Charter 3.0 represents the outcome of collaborative efforts made by key stakeholders in forging a robust and resilient alliance to prevent financial fraud and scams. The IA will leverage on this platform to strengthen public education and empower policy holders so that they can safeguard effectively against the increasingly sophisticated plots concocted by swindlers."

The Managing Director of the MPFA, Mr Cheng Yan-chee,said, "MPF is the valuable retirement reserve accumulated by the working population. The MPFA will not tolerate any fraudulent activities that undermine their retirement savings in MPF. We are pleased to see financial regulators, enforcement agencies and relevant organisations together with major technology and telecommunications companies under the Charter 3.0 stepping up efforts in combatting scams and enhancing anti-scam awareness in the community. We urge the working population to stay vigilant and join hands with us by proactively reporting suspected scams to safeguard their MPF interests."

Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FEHD issues warning letter to permitted dog-friendly food premises for persistent non-compliance

The measure allowing dogs to enter permitted food premises has been implemented since July 9. A dedicated team from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been conducting inspections to all the permitted food premises over past few days to assist operators in complying with the relevant requirements. A spokesman for the FEHD said today (July 14) that the department has taken enforcement action against a permitted food premises in Kowloon City District for persistent non-compliance, and issued a warning letter to the licensee concerned, requiring that immediate rectification measures be taken.

The spokesman stressed that, while the department regards the first month of implementation as an adaptation period for the measure, during which the principle of "advice before enforcement" is adopted, it does not mean a relaxation of regulatory oversight. Should serious cases of non-compliance or situations affecting environmental hygiene or food safety be detected, the FEHD will definitely take decisive enforcement action to ensure public safety and fairness of the policy.

During a recent inspection of a permitted Chinese restaurant in Kowloon City, the dedicated team discovered that the establishment was in breach of regulation by serving food being cooked or reheated at the dining table. A verbal advice and a verbal warning were subsequently issued to the person-in-charge of the food premises on July 11 and 12 respectively. Officers of the dedicated conducted another inspection to the food premises concerned yesterday (July 13) and found it in breach of the regulation again. A warning letter was thus issued to the licensee, requiring proper rectification of the non-compliance.

The spokesman reiterated that, the FEHD will take decisive enforcement action if permitted food premises commit serious non-compliance, including serving food being cooked or heated over an open flame on dining tables, allowing fighting dogs or known dangerous dogs to enter the food premises, or allowing dogs to enter the food rooms.

Moreover, the FEHD has been proactively inspecting food premises without valid permission (non-permitted food premises) since July 9. Immediate verbal advice will be given if dogs are found to be allowed into these food premises. The FEHD is gathering further information and intelligence, and will commence strict enforcement actions from this week onwards should there be instances of persistent non-compliance despite repeated warnings. The spokesman reminded that both food premises operators and dog owners have the responsibility to comply with the relevant regulations. Any food premises that allows the entry of dogs without a valid permit commits an offence, and is liable to a maximum fine of $10,000, three months' imprisonment, and an additional daily fine of $300. Members of the public who bring dogs into non-permitted food premises also commit an offence and facing the same legal penalty.

According to the licensing conditions of permitted food premises, cooking or heating food on dining table with appliances such as open-tlame or electric stoves is strictly prohibited at all times. Candles or electric coasters are restricted to keeping beverages warm only and must not be used for heating food. If a licensee receives three warning letters within a 12-month period for breaching the relevant additional licensing conditions, the FEHD will consider cancelling the restaurant's "Permission for Presence of Dogs on Food Premises". Furthermore, within 12 months from the date of cancellation, no application for the same permission submitted by the same licensee, their representative, business partner, or business proprietor for the same premises will be entertained.

As of July 13, the 90 dedicated officers of the FEHD have conducted about 4 700 inspections to permitted food premises across various districts, and over 400 inspections to other food premises not permitted for the entry of dogs. The dedicated teams will continue to step up inspection and publicity efforts to assist permitted food premises in adapting to the new arrangements. Should any issues be identified, dedicated officers will provide immediate guidance and make every effort to assist food premises in complying with the relevant requirements, so as to ensure the smooth implementation of the new measure.

The FEHD reminds all persons-in-charge and frontline staff of permitted food premises once again that they must fulfill the licensing conditions and legal requirements, and to supervise and remind customers with dogs, so as to safeguard diners' safety and public hygiene.

Source: AI-found images