A Hong Kong woman has claimed she was tricked into marrying a stranger by her work.
According to the BBC, a 21-year-old Hong Kong woman was tricked into marrying a stranger whilst taking part in a ‘mock’ wedding in China.
The woman, who was training to be a wedding planner, was told she would be playing the role of a bride in a simulated wedding.
She had seen a listing on Facebook for a make-up artist apprenticeship at a company that convinced her to become a wedding planner.
After a week’s worth of free training in Hong Kong, the woman was sent to Fujian, China to participate in a mock wedding. She was told the ceremony was necessary for he to pass course.
In the staged ceremony, she and her ‘fiancee’ signed a genuine marriage document, which the company assured her would be void afterwards.
The woman only realised she was married after returning to Hong Kong. After local police could not find any evidence that a crime was committed, the woman sought help from the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions.
Tong Kamgyiu, director of the Rights and Benefits Committee of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, said “it’s a new form of marriage scam. I feel disappointed and cannot believe it’s even happening in modern Hong Kong.”
The woman’s current status is still married and she may have to apply for a divorce. She does not know the identity or whereabouts of her husband.
Chinese residents who marry Hong Kongers are able to to reside in Hong Kong. Hong Kong police reportedly see 1000 cross border marriage scams every year.
“The 21 year-old lady was taken advantage of while she knew nothing about the circumstances,” said Tong. “Her biggest loss is to have a marriage record and it has caused her psychological damage.”
