HONG KONG ~ A television report revealing sales scams at jewelry stores in Hong Kong could damage the city’s reputation as a shopping destination, tourist officials said.

The report, which alleged that a Chinese tourist had been sold fake diamonds, follows a spate of complaints that unscrupulous tour guides were cashing in on a flood of mainland visitors.

Chinese Central Television (CCTV) claimed that tourists from Shenzhen city bought a HK$9,800 (US$1,260) diamond necklace and $16,000 diamond watch – but the jewels later proved to be only glass.