{"id":2358,"date":"2019-04-03T12:22:21","date_gmt":"2019-04-03T04:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.helperchoice.com\/?p=2358"},"modified":"2026-01-15T01:48:42","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T17:48:42","slug":"domestic-helper-loan-sharks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/","title":{"rendered":"What Do You Need to Know About Domestic Helper Loan Sharks?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14592\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/sad-woman-with-loan.png\" alt=\"Sad woman with loan\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" \/><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Why_do_domestic_helpers_borrow_money\" >Why do domestic helpers borrow money?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Because_of_recruitment_debts_charged_by_unethical_employment_agencies\" >Because of recruitment debts charged by unethical employment agencies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Because_of_a_family_request\" >Because of a family request<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#For_an_emergency_happened_back_home\" >For an emergency happened back home<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Because_they_dont_know_how_to_say_%E2%80%9Cno%E2%80%9D_to_family\" >Because they don\u2019t know how to say &#8220;no&#8221; to family<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Because_of_an_expensive_lifestyle\" >Because of an expensive lifestyle<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Where_can_your_helper_borrow_money\" >Where can your helper borrow money?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#From_a_loan_shark\" >From a loan shark<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#What_is_a_loan_shark\" >What is a loan shark?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Is_a_loan_shark_harassing_you\" >Is a loan shark harassing you?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#From_a_bank\" >From a bank<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Ask_you_for_a_favor\" >Ask you for a favor<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#If_you_want_to_prevent_your_helper_from_taking_out_loans\" >If you want to prevent your helper from taking out loans:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#What_you_should_do\" >What you should do<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Use_an_ethical_employment_agency\" >Use an ethical employment agency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Educate_your_helper_about_the_risks_of_getting_loans\" >Educate your helper about the risks of getting loans<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Help_your_helper_open_a_bank_account\" >Help your helper open a bank account<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Register_your_helper_for_financial_management_classes\" >Register your helper for financial management classes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#What_you_should_not_do\" >What you should not do<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Retain_your_helpers_passport_or_identity_card\" >Retain your helper\u2019s passport or identity card<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Terminate_the_helpers_contract\" >Terminate the helper\u2019s contract<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Pay_off_the_helpers_debts\" >Pay off the helper\u2019s debts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#How_to_discuss_loans_and_financial_management_with_your_domestic_helper\" >How to discuss loans and financial management with your domestic helper?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Addressing_the_subject\" >Addressing the subject<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#Finding_the_right_time\" >Finding the right time<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/domestic-helper-loan-sharks\/#A_Shared_Responsibility\" >A Shared Responsibility<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have heard of employers being harassed by loan sharks because their domestic helpers used the residence address for taking out loans and are not able to repay the debts. But why are many domestic helpers in debt and how can you prevent your helper from getting into debts?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_domestic_helpers_borrow_money\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why do domestic helpers borrow money?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Because_of_recruitment_debts_charged_by_unethical_employment_agencies\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of recruitment debts charged by unethical employment agencies<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legally, placement fees employment agencies in Hong Kong charged to domestic helpers can only be as much as 10% of their first month\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/helper-minimum-wage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">salary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In reality, there are employment agencies charging illegal placement fees and thus domestic helpers end up sending their first few months\u2019 paychecks to those agencies, as much as HK$24,000! And they might even have to take loans from loan sharks. Some of these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/hong-kong\/employment-agencies-for-domestic-helper-in-hong-kong\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">employment agencies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also confiscate the workers\u2019 passports as a measure to stop them from returning to their home countries and ensure they will repay the loans.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Because_of_a_family_request\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of a family request<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_an_emergency_happened_back_home\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For an emergency happened back home<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Domestic helpers usually send money back home every month to support their families. Unfortunately, health issues can happen and your domestic worker\u2019s family might suddenly need money because a relative is in critical medical condition. In this case, your domestic helper will have no choice but to send a large amount of money back home to pay for the medical fees.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Because_they_dont_know_how_to_say_%E2%80%9Cno%E2%80%9D_to_family\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because they don\u2019t know how to say &#8220;no&#8221; to family<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Domestic helpers working in Hong Kong are often wealthier than their families back home, leading some relatives to ask for money for no legitimate reason. Many domestic helpers don\u2019t know how to say no to these requests and will send money although they cannot always afford it. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Because_of_an_expensive_lifestyle\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of an expensive lifestyle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The temptation is everywhere in Hong Kong when it comes to shopping, whether it is food, clothes, or a new mobile phone, it can be hard for domestic helpers to manage their budget and save money. Spending more money than what they can afford will lead some domestic workers to borrow money.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_can_your_helper_borrow_money\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where can your helper borrow money?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_a_loan_shark\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From a loan shark<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_loan_shark\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a loan shark?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loan sharks are money lenders charging extremely high interest rates, usually under illegal conditions. One of their main targets is domestic helpers as most of them will need to borrow money at some point during their employment contract and are not aware of the risks involved with loan sharks. The interest of these debts borrowed from loan sharks can be as high as 60% per annum!<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_loan_shark_harassing_you\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a loan shark harassing you?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When borrowing money to a loan shark, your domestic helper will likely provide your address as her residential address because of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/consequences-live-out-domestic-helper\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">live-in rule<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In some cases, she might not be able to pay her debts back and even leave Hong Kong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your domestic helper might also have agreed to be a guarantor for a friend. If her friend runs away she will have to bear the responsibilities and pay the money back. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If that has happened, you might receive a lot of calls and letters in your house, usually threatening. Report the loan shark\u2019s behaviour to the authorised financial institution, the Money Lenders Unit of Hong Kong Police (tel: 2860 3574) or the Anti-Scam Hotline (tel: 18222).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"From_a_bank\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From a bank <\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banks can lend money to domestic helper in Hong Kong, if she discussed this topic prior with you, you can help her ask for more information directly at the banks to see which bank can lend her money. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ask_you_for_a_favor\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask you for a favor<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes domestic helpers will discuss their financial problems with their employers and even ask them if they can directly lend her the money. Having a relationship good enough to be able to discuss this.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_want_to_prevent_your_helper_from_taking_out_loans\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to prevent your helper from taking out loans:<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_you_should_do\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What you should do<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_an_ethical_employment_agency\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use an ethical employment agency<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When hiring a new domestic helper, you should check with the helper how much she is asked to pay for placement fees. Do not use an employment agency that charges helpers illegal placement fees. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Educate_your_helper_about_the_risks_of_getting_loans\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Educate your helper about the risks of getting loans<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Educate her about the risks that she might take, for example, discuss online scams with her, encourage her to do research before committing to anything, and tell her you can always double check with her the company\u2019s identity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Help_your_helper_open_a_bank_account\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Help your helper open a bank account<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/opening-bank-account-domesic-helper-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opening a bank account<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for your domestic helper is beneficial for both of you. It will help her better manage her money, and it will be easier for you to keep track of her salary payment. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Register_your_helper_for_financial_management_classes\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Register your helper for financial management classes<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should encourage your helper to save up, and devise a plan with her calculating her monthly expenses and how much she can put aside every month. If you need a little help, there are 2 NGOs in Hong Kong helping domestic helpers with Financial Management by providing them training. The first one is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.enrichhk.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enrich HK<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they do personal counselling and workshops in Hong Kong. The other is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/uplifters.community\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uplifters<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an NGO that runs online financial management classes for domestic helpers, not exclusively in Hong Kong. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_you_should_not_do\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What you should not do<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Retain_your_helpers_passport_or_identity_card\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Retain your helper\u2019s passport or identity card<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some employers keep their helpers\u2019 passports to avoid them from borrowing loans, but remember that this is illegal, your helper should be able to keep her passport at all times.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Terminate_the_helpers_contract\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Terminate the helper\u2019s contract<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Terminating your domestic helper should not be the first option and it will not stop loan sharks contacting you. If you find out your helper is in debt, sit down with her and discuss the overall situation &#8211; how much she borrowed and why. And help her figure out a plan for repayment if possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pay_off_the_helpers_debts\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay off the helper\u2019s debts<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You could decide to pay off her debts, but this is not an ideal situation, this will not help her be financially responsible in the long term. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_discuss_loans_and_financial_management_with_your_domestic_helper\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to discuss loans and financial management with your domestic helper?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Addressing_the_subject\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Addressing the subject<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being able to discuss potential financial issues is a win-win situation for both you and your domestic helper. If a problem ever comes up, you will be able to help her and avoid further issues for your family if she is responsible for an unpaid loan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping an open dialogue is the key to every <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/relationship-with-domestic-helper\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthy employer-domestic helper relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_the_right_time\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding the right time<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So how can you bring up the money subject? Find a quiet moment and tell her that you heard about domestic helpers facing financial problems and tell her that if she ever finds herself in this situation she can trust you and talk about it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5868\" data-end=\"5894\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Shared_Responsibility\"><\/span><strong>A Shared Responsibility<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5896\" data-end=\"6064\">Loan shark problems often begin long before employers are aware of them. Ethical hiring, financial awareness, and open communication can significantly reduce the risks.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6066\" data-end=\"6306\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/domestic-helpers\/hong-kong\">HelperChoice<\/a>, we believe that fair recruitment and informed employers play a crucial role in protecting domestic helpers from illegal practices and financial harm \u2014 creating safer, more stable working relationships for everyone involved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You may have heard of employers being harassed by loan sharks because their domestic helpers used the residence address for taking out loans and are not able to repay the debts. But why are many domestic helpers in debt and how can you prevent your helper from getting into debts? Why do domestic helpers borrow [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":5477,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Illegal loans and loan sharks put domestic helpers and employers at risk. This guide explains the causes, warning signs, and prevention steps.","title":"What Do You Need to Know About Domestic Helper Loan Sharks? - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[383],"tags":[347],"class_list":["post-2358","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-manage-helper","tag-scams-disputes"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/adult-banking-blur-1288483.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2358"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14594,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2358\/revisions\/14594"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5477"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}