Upon referral by the Department of Health, officers from Tsuen Wan district conducted an investigation and arrested three women and one man, aged 58 to 73, in Kwai Chung, Wong Tai Sin, and Sha Tin respectively.

They were accused of fraud by impersonating the deceased family member and using the medical vouchers for medical consultations and Chinese medicine purchases between 2020 to 2021.

All four were released on police bail pending further investigation and were required to report to the police force in late March.

The force reminded the public that fraud carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment upon conviction.

Under the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme, introduced in 2009 and regularised in 2014, eligible residents aged 65 or above are given a HK$2,000 voucher annually to help pay for certain medical services in the private sector, including consultations with Chinese medicine practitioners.

Users must receive healthcare services in person before they can use their vouchers to settle fees. Vouchers cannot be used for purchasing products, redeemed for cash, transferred to or shared with others.