Former clerk convicted in fake Sammi Cheng ticket scam
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A former administrative clerk was convicted on all six counts of fraud and attempted fraud at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts on Friday over counterfeit tickets for Sammi Cheng’s “You & Mi Sammi Cheng Live.” Deputy District Court Judge Li Chi-ho rejected the 34-year-old defendant Mong’s account, finding her claims of innocence highly unreasonable and ruling that she knew the tickets were forged. The case involved online approaches to buyers through Carousell and Facebook, followed by in-person handovers at Hung Hom and Mong Kok East railway stations. Sentencing was adjourned to October 30 for a background report, and Mong was remanded in custody.
Key Points
- Prosecutors said six victims separately asked about concert tickets on Carousell and Facebook, where scammers offered pairs priced from HK$1,600 to HK$3,500.
- Mong met buyers at Hung Hom and Mong Kok East stations and used an ultraviolet flashlight to mimic anti-counterfeiting checks and build trust.
- Five buyers paid a combined HK$9,100 before discovering on the concert night that venue staff rejected the counterfeit tickets.
- The sixth buyer became suspicious during the transaction and immediately alerted nearby patrolling police officers, leading to Mong’s arrest.
- The defense said Mong suffers severe depression and active suicidal tendencies, and psychiatric advice urged correctional staff to monitor her closely.
Why It Matters
The case shows how ticket scams can move from online marketplaces to face-to-face exchanges at busy transport hubs, making fraud appear more credible to buyers. It also underlines the legal and custodial issues that can arise when a convicted defendant has serious mental health concerns before sentencing.