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| This text exchange shows the money lender wants control over borrower's bank accout |
A Filipina domestic helper has reached out to warn others about a group that purports to extend a loan to those who are about to go back to the Philippines after their employment contracts were terminated prematurely, and then get them involved in money laundering without their knowledge.
Baby (not her real name), said she commented “How po” to a post she found in a Facebook page about the loan offer. Almost immediately, someone got back to her and said her group could extend a loan of up to $2,000, but in exchange, the helper needed to submit control over her bank account.
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
Baby showed a series of text messages between her and another Filipina who said this was her boss’ requirement prior to extending the loan. The Filipina specified an account in either HSBC or Hang Seng Bank.
When Baby said she did not have an account in either
bank, the other Filipina suggested she could set up an appointment for the
helper to open one, but she must be able to leave her employer’s house on a
weekday to do this.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
“Mag open ka na lang po, tapos kuhanin namin sa yo,” said the Filipina in a chat message.“Book kita ng appointment, gusto mo?” (I will book an appointment for you, if you want).
When Baby balked some more, saying she does not get to go out even during Sundays as she is looking after a sick elderly employer, the
person she was chatting with said, “Ay sayang,
ano po ba ang off mo? Di ka ba pwedeng mag off ng Sabado? (Pity! When is
your day off? Can’t you take a Saturday off?)
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
The overly friendly staff caused Baby to feel uneasy that
she immediately consulted a migrant support group on whether the deal sounded
like it involved money laundering, and she was immediately told yes, and
that she should immediately cut off contacts with the
person she was chatting with.
In a long list of cases involving FDHs who lent or
surrender control over their bank accounts which were then made funnels for criminal proceeds, the account holder is the one that is normally arrested, and
without fail, jailed.
Magistrates routinely impose a jail term of nine
months if the accused admits guilt, 12 months or more if they opt to go to
trial, and are convicted.
However, the prescribed maximum jail term is 14
years, and a fine of up to $5 million.
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