SINGAPORE – Scams are becoming more common among migrant workers, especially phishing, job and e-commerce variants, which were the top three categories they experienced last year.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, the police added that for migrant domestic workers, the top three variants last year were phishing, Internet love and loan scams.
Ms Flora Sha, who manages United Channel maid agency, said there were a dozen maids in her firm who fell victim to loan scams last year.
“It’s definitely worrying, since scams can jeopardise their rice bowls while they are working in Singapore and could affect employers as well. In some cases, scammers harass the employer for money, even visiting their homes,” she added.
“My advice is for maids to ask their employer or employment agency for help if they encounter a scam. But in some cases, maids know it’s a scam, but they are desperate for cash.”
Ms Ruchi Trivedi, who is one of the lead volunteers at non-profit organisation ItsRainingRaincoats, said it is reminding migrant workers not to share their personal information, such as bank details and passwords, with anyone.
She added that they should not click on web links that they do not recognise and always ask an authority or their supervisors if they are unsure.
