appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Danny Mok

Hong Kong customs has said it is actively following up on a case involving a London‑based beauty chain after a woman complained that she was cheated into paying more than HK$60,000 (US$7,700) for products and raised concerns about the company’s sales practices.
Opatra London’s outlet at Sha Tin New Town Plaza shopping centre posted a notice over the weekend saying that it had “temporarily suspended” operations, without elaborating.
The company, a hi‑tech skincare brand founded in 2010 and headquartered in Britain, is known for its luxury anti‑ageing devices and advanced formulations blending science and technology.
According to its website, the company has expanded globally, with offices in Spain and Las Vegas, and its products are sold in more than 45 countries.
Opatra reportedly operated counters in major Hong Kong shopping centres, including Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, and locations in Causeway Bay, as well as booths at exhibitions such as beauty fairs and the city’s annual trade show.
Its sales staff often try to attract passers‑by with offers of free trials or gifts.
Police said they received a report last Wednesday from a 58‑year‑old woman who claimed she had bought HK$61,400 worth of products at the shop last month and questioned its sales practices.
Officers investigated and classified the case as a dispute.
A video circulating on social media shows the woman kneeling and crying outside the Sha Tin shop, claiming she had been cheated.

The post alleged staff had charged the woman’s credit card more than HK$60,000 without her consent.
The woman said she was merely passing by the branch when an employee complimented her outfit and invited her inside for a photo.
Once inside, she said, staff began promoting products and even applied some directly to her face. She said she eventually signed for HK$60,000 worth of items.
The incident has sparked heated debate online, with social media users sharing similar experiences of being lured into shops, only to encounter aggressive sales tactics.
The Customs and Excise Department said on Sunday it was actively following up on the case and would take enforcement action if any breaches of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance were found.
The chain’s outlet at Yoho Mall in Yuen Long also appeared to be closed.
Its 4,700 sq ft shop on Russell Street in Causeway Bay – one of the city’s most expensive retail strips – opened in recent months but was also closed on Sunday.


3 stray mongrels captured after cyclist dies in suspected dog attack

Nearly 50% rise in drug seizures by Hong Kong customs in first half of year

Barristers dismiss calls for solicitors to gain senior counsel status in Hong Kong

Hong Kong school told to review arrangements after alleged Cantonese video ban

Hong Kong society

Customs steps in after woman claims beauty chain Opatra cheated her out of HK$60,000

Opatra London’s 4,700 sq ft outlet on Russell Street in Causeway Bay. Photo: Nora Tam

The outlet posted a notice saying it was temporarily closed. Photo: Threads/ hereherehe&#xA;

A woman was seen crying in front of an Opatra London outlet in New Town Plaza, Sha Tin. Photo: Handout

Hongkonger denied refund despite HK$170,000 hair transplant ‘falling out’ in a year

Complaints related to hair transplant, hair growth, and hair and scalp care services reached 33, 19 and 13, respectively, between 2023 and 2025. Photo: Shutterstock

The council urges such businesses to clearly inform customers that results may vary from person to person. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong watchdog warns 24-hour gym users of hidden costs, data privacy risks

A Consumer Council survey of 11 round-the-clock gym operators, has found that nearly half impose  extra non-refundable charges that significantly increase costs for short-term users. Photo: Handout

Anytime Fitness recorded the widest fee gap, with short-term plans costing more than double long-term ones. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong proposes cooling-off period for beauty, gym deals to curb hard-sell tactics

Complaints involving beauty and fitness services account for nearly 90 per cent of sectors most prone to improper selling practices, according to the government.  Photo: Xiaomei Chen

The proposed measures will apply to contracts offered by fitness centres. Photo: K Y Cheng

News

Hong Kong

Society

Woman, 58, claimed she bought HK$61,400 worth of products at Sha Tin outlet and questioned sales practices, police say


Woman, 58, claimed she bought HK$61,400 worth of products at Sha Tin outlet and questioned sales practices, police say.


Customs steps in after woman claims beauty chain Opatra cheated her out of HK$60,000

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Woman, 58, claimed she bought HK$61,400 worth of products at Sha Tin outlet and questioned sales practices, police say

Woman, 58, claimed she bought HK$61,400 worth of products at Sha Tin outlet and questioned sales practices, police say