A 37-year-old saleswoman appeared in court Thursday accused of submitting a counterfeit check worth HK$600,000 to a company owned by Hong Kong actress Charmaine Sheh, in what authorities describe as an attempted fraud.
Defendant charged with using fake bank draft
The defendant, surnamed Cheung, faced a single charge at Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts. Prosecutors allege that on Sept. 10 last year, inside Langham Place shopping mall in Mong Kok, she presented a fraudulent check purportedly from the Bank of Communications to Charmaine Sheh Studio Limited. The check was intended to settle an outstanding legal obligation of HK$600,000, according to court documents.
Prosecutors said Cheung falsely claimed the check was legitimate and negotiable, thereby dishonestly inducing the company to wait for payment that never materialized. Magistrate Wong Sze-cheung adjourned the case to Oct. 5, when it will be transferred to West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts for further proceedings.
Manager confirms incident, declines details
Responding to media inquiries, Charmaine Sheh’s manager, Joanne, confirmed the incident but offered few specifics. “The studio did receive a check that could not be cashed earlier,” Joanne said in a brief statement. “The case has now entered judicial proceedings, so we cannot disclose too much at this stage.”
Charmaine Sheh, a celebrated TVB actress known for hits such as “Story of Yanxi Palace” and “The Breaking Point,” incorporated Charmaine Sheh Studio Limited as her personal production and management vehicle. The company handles her acting projects, endorsements and business deals.
Legal experts weigh in on check fraud trends
Check fraud remains a persistent issue in Hong Kong, despite the growing shift toward electronic payments. Legal experts note that fake bank drafts and personal checks are often used in schemes targeting small and medium enterprises, where verification procedures may be less rigorous.
“Presenting a fraudulent check with intent to deceive constitutes a serious criminal offense under the Theft Ordinance,” said Albert Wong, a commercial crime lawyer not involved in the case. “If convicted, the defendant could face up to 14 years in prison.”
In 2023, Hong Kong police recorded more than 300 cases of check fraud, with losses exceeding HK$50 million. Authorities have repeatedly urged businesses to verify large payments through direct bank confirmation before releasing goods or services.
Case underscores importance of financial vigilance
The case highlights the vulnerability of even well-established entertainment companies to financial scams. Industry observers say that while celebrity-owned firms often have robust legal teams, operational staff may lack the same level of fraud awareness.
The October hearing is expected to include further evidence disclosure and possibly a plea. Until then, Cheung remains on bail, with conditions including a ban on leaving Hong Kong and a requirement to report to the nearest police station weekly.
For businesses and individuals alike, the incident serves as a reminder to scrutinize large checks and to adopt real-time payment verification protocols. Hong Kong’s banking sector recommends that recipients of checks exceeding HK$100,000 wait for clearance — typically two to three business days — before treating funds as available.