Taxi driver allegedly sells lost Apple Watch Ultra at discounted price, passenger exposes doubts

Hong Kong Taxi Passenger Averts Potential Scam, Highlights Risks

In an eye-opening incident, a Hong Kong taxi passenger emerged as a vigilant advocate for public safety, sharing her experience to warn others of potential scams targeting unsuspecting passengers. Gloria, a savvy Instagram user, recently encountered a taxi driver attempting to sell her an Apple Watch Ultra and AirPods Pro, collectively worth around HK$8,000, for a mere HK$1,000.

The driver claimed the items were left behind by a mainland Chinese tourist and that he couldn’t reach the owner. Gloria, however, wasn’t easily swayed. She documented the encounter, capturing the taxi’s interior and licence plate, ensuring she had evidence in case of any mishaps.

Two major red flags were raised during the interaction. First, the driver seemed oblivious to the value of the items he was selling. When Gloria mentioned the watch’s value, he quickly added more electronics, offering the lot for just HK$1,000. This seemed like an attempt to exploit potential greed or naivety.

Secondly, Gloria noticed the driver was not displaying the mandatory taxi driver identification, which is required by law. The missing ID, coupled with a lack of visible vehicle registration, sparked suspicions about the driver’s legitimacy.

This incident underscores the risks involved in purchasing lost property. In Hong Kong, handling stolen goods can result in severe penalties, including up to 14 years in prison. Gloria’s experience serves as a stark reminder to remain cautious and avoid the temptation of such transactions.

By sharing her story, Gloria hopes others will be more alert to potential scams and safety hazards. Her quick thinking and awareness turned a potentially dangerous situation into a teachable moment for Hong Kong’s public.