Employing a foreign domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore brings much-needed support to many households. However, challenges can arise when a helper falls into financial difficulty—especially if she turns to illegal moneylenders, commonly known as loan sharks.
If you suspect or discover that your maid has borrowed from a loan shark, it’s essential to act quickly, calmly, and within the law to protect your family and your home.
Warning Signs That Your Maid Might Have Borrowed from a Loan Shark
Certain behaviours may indicate that your helper is entangled with an unlicensed moneylender:
- Frequent, unexplained phone calls or messages
- Unusual anxiety or fear, especially after using her phone
- Requests for early salary payments or repeated cash advances
- Strangers seen loitering around your home
- Vandalism or threatening messages on your property
These signs should prompt a deeper conversation and cautionary action.
Risks for Employers
Certain behaviours may indicate that your helper is entangled with an unlicensed moneylender:
- Frequent, unexplained phone calls or messages
- Unusual anxiety or fear, especially after using her phone
- Requests for early salary payments or repeated cash advances
- Strangers seen loitering around your home
- Vandalism or threatening messages on your property
These signs should prompt a deeper conversation and cautionary action.
What You Should Do Immediately
1. Stay Calm and Communicate
Speak to your helper privately and non-judgmentally. Try to understand her situation, and encourage her to be honest with you.
2. Avoid Paying the Loan
Do not repay the debt on your helper’s behalf. This can enable further borrowing and may not stop future harassment.
3. Secure Your Household
Alert all family members, especially children, to avoid speaking to strangers. Review your home’s security measures and report any suspicious activity.
4. Document Any Evidence
Keep records of calls, messages, photos of vandalism, and any other incidents. This documentation will be important if you need to involve the authorities.
5. Report to the Authorities
Lodge a police report if you encounter any threats, harassment, or vandalism.
Notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if the situation affects the employment arrangement.
How to Prevent Future Issues
Although not always avoidable, you can take steps to reduce the risk of your helper borrowing from a loan shark:
Provide Financial Education: Teach budgeting and responsible saving habits.
Help Open a Bank Account: Encourage monthly savings into a POSB/DBS account.
Set Clear Rules: Discuss upfront policies on borrowing, lending, and money matters.
Conduct Background Checks: Ask about financial history when hiring new helpers.
How to Prevent Future Issues
If the helper repeats this behaviour, lies about her finances, or poses a continued risk to the household, you may consider repatriation or legal termination of the employment contract. Always follow MOM’s guidelines and document your decisions appropriately.
How to Prevent Future Issues
Dealing with a maid who has borrowed from a loan shark is a stressful experience—but with the right steps, you can protect your home and act responsibly. Stay calm, seek help from the proper authorities, and prioritise the safety of your family above all.
