【明報專訊】Recently there has been an increase in telephone deceptions in which swindlers pretended to be staff of couriers. Sadly, Pat does not stay alert...

“ Eason: This is from E Express. Your Christmas parcel has been detained by the customs... ”

“ Pat: What? ”

“ ．To get back the parcel, please provide your personal information.

．Name:

．HKID:

．Address:

．Bank a/c: ”

“ Eason: Here's your parcel. The delivery fee has been deducted from your bank account. ”

“ Pat: Finally! Thanks so much! ”

“ MoMo: Did you order this for Christmas? ”

“ Pat: No! This is not my parcel! ”

■English highway﹕Words with -tion

Do not confuse "deception" with other words with similar spellings like "inception" and "reception".

deception

the act of hiding the truth, especially to get an advantage

e.g. The man was found guilty of obtaining money by deception.

inception

the start of an organisation or institution

e.g. Since its inception, the business has expanded to become a national retail chain.

reception

the place in a hotel or office building where people go when they first arrive

e.g. I asked the man about traffic information at reception.

■Quiz

Fill in the blanks with "deception", "inception" or "reception".

1. The guests have signed in at the ________ desk.

2. The police uncovered a shocking story of lies and ___________.

3. We'll assist you at every stage from ________ to completion.

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

swindler (n) 騙子

courier (n) 快遞公司

alert (adj) 警惕的

detain (v) 扣留

[Smarties' Power English 第233期]