(Updated on September 6, 2023)
Happy Valentine’s Day!
On this special day, HelperChoice and Pathfinders have prepared you a recap of “Love Scams & Relationships” to protect your domestic helper from falling prey to love scams.
What is “Love Scam”?
“Love Scam” involves people being deceived into sending money to criminals who gain their trust and convince them that they are in a genuine romantic relationship. Criminals may use a fake identity to foster a relationship with your domestic worker.
What does a scammer want?
– Money
– Personal Information
– Blackmail
– Sexual Favours
Why migrant domestic workers (MDW) are more vulnerable to love scams?
– They feel lonely
– They are eager to develop and be in a relationship
– They are craving for emotional support or a helping hand
– They are promised of love and/or money
What are the red flags of love scam?
At first, the scammer would approach your helper with a fake ID/ photo, like a handsome Korean man or the “famous” pilot. The scammer may flatter her and gain her trust with loving words.
After some time, they start confessing undying love for your helper and asking her a lot of personal information. They may borrow money from her and promise to pay her back. Whenever she asks for a video call, they give excuses.
How to protect your domestic helper from love scam?
You may instruct your helper to:
– Set the boundary
– Do not fall for sweet talks
– Two-way and open communication is the key
– Get different perspectives from friends or family
– Think thoroughly before engaging in sexual relations
– No form of abuse should be tolerated
What if your domestic helper fell prey to a love scam?
First, empathise your helper and avoid blaming her. Blaming may lead to secondary trauma or even worse, suicidal thoughts.
Then, you may consider offering them emotional support by listening to them patiently and showing your care. Report the case to the policy hotline (Anti-deception Coordination Centre) at 18222. In some cases, professional help might be needed.
It may not be easy to discuss online/love scams with your MDW. Pace yourself, and always start by building a positive, trusting relationship with your MDW. Approach this topic from a place of care and concern. Be sensitive and not talk down to her, or ask her personal questions which over-steps your professional boundaries, eg. details of her romantic relationship and specifications of her activities on her day-off.
To learn more, please click here for the replay of our FB live session with PathFinders.
Or you may scan this QR code to obtain more useful tips from PathFinders.
Online Resource Cards By PathFinders
About PathFinders
PathFinders is the only HK charity dedicated to supporting the unique vulnerabilities of children born to migrant mothers.
Since 2008, PathFinders has supported almost 9,800 mothers and children find a path to a brighter future.
About HelperChoice
Founded in 2012, HelperChoice is the first social impact startup dedicated to eradicate placement fees and human trafficking for the purpose of forced labour. It provides an online platform for domestic workers matching and direct hire in Hong Kong and visa processing for Filipino workers.
Did You Know?
Premium Members (members who subscribed to the paid service on HelperChoice platform) can get a 10% discount on visa process service, including both local hire and overseas hire. Register now!
Need A Visa Renewal For Filipino Helpers?
HelperChoice team can process visa renewal for your helper. It will take around 2 weeks to process the visa renewal for Filipino helpers.
How To Contact Us?
If you would like to enquire about how to find a domestic worker on HelperChoice platform or visa process for your helper, please feel free to contact us via Whatsapp or book a 15-min consultation session with us.