Mainland Bloggers expose hong Kong Pharmacy Scams, Face Confrontation & call for Police Action
A series of videos posted by a mainland Chinese blogger, known as “Street kids have power (the masses have power)＠Douyin,” has brought to light alleged deceptive practices targeting tourists in Hong Kong pharmacies. the blogger documented instances of inflated pricing,potentially substandard medicinal materials,and aggressive tactics employed by pharmacy staff when confronted.
The initial video focused on a dispute over the weight of Gastrodia elata (tuber fleeceflower), a customary Chinese medicine. The blogger questioned a price seemingly based on a unit of “liang” (a traditional Chinese unit of weight) rather than grams, stating, “Is 600 grams? Isn’t that all?” when challenged, a clerk reportedly insisted it wasn’t 600 grams, suggesting the price was calculated using “one liang.” The blogger accused the pharmacy of ”doing this kind of tricks” and advised mainland tourists to report such incidents to the police and customs officials.
A subsequent video showed the blogger claiming they were recognized by individuals associated with the pharmacy and pursued for several streets. The footage then depicts a confrontation with a pharmacy clerk who attempted to stop the blogger from filming. The clerk repeatedly asked, ”It’s Douyin, right? Don’t take photos!” and attempted to photograph the blogger in return, demanding to know why they were being filmed. The clerk threatened to call the police, stating, “Don’t leave, I’ll call the police!” The blogger responded, “You report!” and remained, prompting the clerk to eventually leave. The blogger then celebrated the encounter with shouts and cheers.
The video further alleged that the pharmacy was selling inferior medicinal materials at inflated prices. Specifically, the blogger pointed to deteriorated Gastrodia elata, stating, “the cross section is directly deteriorated,” and claiming its quality wouldn’t fetch 100 yuan in Yunnan. The blogger also highlighted a product labeled “special boy deer” priced at 22,000 pounds, questioning its purported benefits for “replenishment of shape.”
Thes incidents have prompted concern from the Hong Kong Consumer Council. In a press release from September, the Council stated it had received multiple complaints regarding pharmacies employing confusing pricing units (“total changes to stagnant” and “to stagnant money”) and selling products with misleadingly similar packaging. The Consumer Council urged the retail industry to “abandon misleading sales methods, operate in a practical manner, improve self-discipline, and jointly maintain the reputation of Hong kong’s shopping paradise.”
The Consumer Council advises consumers facing disputes to seek mediation assistance and to contact Hong Kong Customs if they suspect fraudulent business practices, such as false or misleading product claims.
Source: Street kids have power (the masses have power)＠Douyin.
