Jobseeker duped into marriage

A WOMAN from Hong Kong claims she was duped into marrying a stranger in a job offer scam in mainland China.

The 21-year-old said the people claiming to be her potential employers asked her to participate in a mock ceremony as part of a training course to become a wedding planner.

However, she ended up legally married because she and the man signed a genuine document.

When she returned to Hong Kong, a friend told her she had been duped and she sought help from the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU).

Tong Kang-yiu, director of the FTU’S rights and benefits committee, said the woman may be one of many victims of a larger racket.

“We hope that by sharing this case, those who haven’t realised they were scammed will be aware,” Mr Tong said.

The motive is unclear, but residents of mainland China who have a spouse in Hong Kong can apply for a one-way permit to settle in the city.