An estate agent was found guilty of forgery and using a false instrument and was sentenced to imprisonment for six months, suspended for two years.

The licensee was found to have altered the date of a Land Search which he submitted to the EAA. This was a criminal offence and the document altered was a public record. After investigation the Police decided to prosecute the licensee for forgery and using a false instrument.

The estate agent pleaded guilty in court. He admitted that he had not performed the requisite land search until his shop was inspected by representatives of the EAA. He obtained the land search after the inspection and, for fear of breaching the Estate Agents Ordinance, he altered the date of the document. He was found guilty by the court and sentenced to six months imprisonment on each count, to be served simultaneously. However, with consideration for his frankness and old age, the court suspended the sentence for two years.

Paper-based Qualifying Examinations in July 2003

The July 2003 series of paper-based Qualifying Examinations for Estate Agents and Salespersons will be held on 24th July (Thursday). The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority will accept registration in-person or by a representative from 24th to 30th June. Application forms are now available at the EAA offices and the Resource Centre, as well as the San Po Kong sub-office and Southorn Centre offices of the HKEAA. (Enquiry telephone no. : 2328 0061 extension 322)

The Computerised Salespersons Qualifying Examination is held several times each week. Please call the HKEAA at 2328 0061 extension 323 for enquiries and registration.