A. Prohibition on pawnbrokers when receiving goods in pawn

A. Prohibition on pawnbrokers when receiving goods in pawn

A pawnbroker cannot receive in pawn any goods:

1. From any person unless he has first inspected proof of identity of the person offering the goods;
2. From any person who is under the age of 17; or
3. Have upon the goods any mark or sign indicating they are or used to be property of the Hong Kong SAR Government or any other statutory body or authority. 

A pawnbroker cannot accept the following as security for a loan:

1. Hong Kong identity cards issued under the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap. 177), passport, warrant card or other document establishing the identity or nationality of the holder; 
2. Bank savings or deposit account book; or 
3. Photograph, whether developed or not, of the borrower or owner of the goods or any member of the family of the borrower or owner of the goods. 

A pawnbroker commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and imprisonment for 6 months if he contravenes this requirement.