Hong Kong watchdog probes claw machine complaints after 760% surge

Hong Kong's consumer watchdog is investigating claw machines following a significant increase in complaints. The Consumer Council reported a 760% surge in grievances related to these amusement devices over the past three years, with complaints rising from 16 in 2023 to 138 last year. Common issues cited by consumers include misleading prize displays, rigged machine settings, and the poor quality of prizes offered. One notable incident involved a player spending HK$200 (approximately US$25.52) on a machine, only to win an empty decorative box, which the operator refused to exchange for a toy.

In parallel, the Consumer Council has also urged hotels and online booking platforms to clearly outline their policies regarding booking changes and refunds. This comes after the council received 3,346 complaints about lodgings in the city since 2023, with a substantial portion involving contract terminations and amendments due to personal reasons or service quality issues. The highest amount in dispute for a lodging contract case reached HK$248,000 (US$31,650). The council advises consumers to carefully read accommodation information and verify order details before making payments.