Police have arrested a man and four women for conspiracy to defraud by luring people to give them their payment card information with personal identification numbers to use to make forged cards.

Acting as a coupon company's promotion staff, they alleged they were selling some chain store coupons at a discount to members. Victims enticed to buy a membership had to pay a $20 fee with their payment cards through a standalone terminal at booths on the street. There they were asked to input their personal identification numbers for the transaction.

Feeling suspicious, the victims checked with the payment card company and confirmed the transactions were fake. A report was made to the police on January 17.

Commercial Crime Bureau officers yesterday arrested a 25-year-old man and three women, aged 41 to 47, on the street in Pai Tau Tsuen in Sha Tin. Another 19-year-old woman was also arrested in a Tseung Kwan O flat this afternoon.

Kwun Tong office had forgery equipment

A subsequent search of the man's office in Kwun Tong led to the discovery of equipment for manufacturing forged cards, including handheld skimmers, personal computers, encoders, leaflets and 168 completed application forms.

The five people were arrested for conspiracy to defraud, while the 25-year-old man was also arrested for possessing equipment for making a false instrument.

Police appeal to people who may have fallen prey to the fraudsters to call 2860 8927 or 2860 5012.