XN000022-1976-07-12 — Page 8

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HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY >8ZAO

PRESS RELEASE

新聞稿

Monday, 12 July 1976

"BEVARE OF IMPERSONATORS" HOUSING DEPARTMENT WARNS

The Housing Department today (Monday) warned applicants for public housing to be on the alert for impersonators who promise accommodation in return for "tea money.

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Over the past couple of days, eight separate reports have been

In two cases, received by the department and referred to the police. the complainants claimed to have handed over $300 and $300.

"Usually, the impersonator called at random at homes and enquired if anyone had applied for public housing and hinted that their applications would be processed quickly in exchange for tea

a spokesman for the department said.

*T

money,

He advised those approached in this manner to contact the department or the police immediately and in no case should they pay

any money.

The Housing Department does not charge any fee for processing applications. This is clearly printed in the information leaflet attached to the application form," the spokesman said.

He further said that all investigation staff of the department carried with them their departmental identity card and would produce them to identify themselves.

Normally, an investigator finding an applicant not at home will call again. It is not the practice to verbally inform an absent applicant to present himself at any of the department's offices.

In the case of successful applicants, they will be informed by letter to call at a specific estate office at an appointed date for the signing of tenancy agreements and the allocation of flats.