Beware of money scams, Hong Kong OFWs warned

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has warned Filipino domestic workers about money laundering syndicates enticing victims with cash in exchange for signing up for a mobile game.

It said Tuesday that syndicates convince foreign domestic workers (FDWs) by offering them amounts as high as HKD500 (approximately P3,700).

But offers can start as low as HKD150 (around P1,100), according to Maricel, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), citing the experience of a friend.

The syndicates also ask for the personal information of the workers, including a copy of their IDs.

“These syndicates ask for the worker’s Hong Kong ID and a facial photo to activate the online game,” the consulate said.

However, the “game” is merely a front for virtual banking fraud. The syndicates use the stolen information to open bank accounts under the victims’ names, which are then used as “stooge” accounts to launder money from criminal activities.

Some syndicates also use the lost ATM cards of FDWs, especially those with their Personal Identification Numbers written on them, to gain access to their accounts.