When a Maid Borrows from Loansharks in Singapore: What Employers Should Do
Harassment from illegal moneylenders can be frightening for families. This guide explains warning signs, what to do if your maid has borrowed from loansharks, how to protect your household and how Honest Recruiter can support you through the process.
At a glance
In Singapore, loanshark activity is illegal. Harassment can include threatening calls, messages, visits to your home, vandalism or contacting your neighbours. As an employer, you need a calm, structured response:
- Recognise warning signs early
- Take immediate safety steps if you suspect loanshark involvement
- Report harassment to the authorities
- Work with your maid agency on next steps for employment
Honest Recruiter can guide you on the process and offer support, but we always encourage employers to follow official advice from the police and MOM.
Common warning signs & risks
It is not always obvious when a helper has borrowed from illegal moneylenders. Some signs may include:
- Frequent calls or messages from unknown numbers, especially from overseas or hidden numbers
- Your helper appears anxious, secretive or very stressed about money
- Messages or calls threatening your helper or mentioning your address
- Strange visitors or repeated buzzing at your gate
- Vandalism, paint marks, debt notes or stickers left on your door or common areas
The risks are serious:
- Safety risk to your household, neighbours and helper
- Emotional stress for your family members, especially children and elderly
- Possible impact on your helper’s focus, performance and mental well-being
Immediate steps to protect your family
If you suspect or discover that your maid has borrowed from loansharks, you can follow these practical steps.
Stay calm and focus on safety first
It is natural to feel upset, but staying calm helps you think clearly. Your first concern should be:
- Is your family in immediate danger?
- Is anyone trying to enter your home or cause damage?
- Are children or elderly at risk of being frightened or approached?
If there is any direct threat or ongoing harassment, call the police right away.
Do not pay the loansharks
Even though it is tempting to “settle it quickly”, paying illegal moneylenders can:
- Encourage further harassment or new demands
- Give the impression that you are willing to be targeted again
Instead, focus on reporting the harassment and cooperating with the authorities.
Document all harassment and evidence
Keep a record of:
- SMS, WhatsApp or social media messages from loansharks
- Phone numbers used to contact you or your helper
- Photos of vandalism, notes or stickers left at your home
- Dates, times and details of any visits or calls
This information can be useful when you make a police report and when your agency supports your case.
Make a police report if harassment occurs
If loansharks are contacting your family, appearing at your home or threatening your helper:
- Make a police report as soon as possible
- Provide the evidence you have gathered
- Follow the advice given by the officers on safety and next steps
The authorities are best placed to handle illegal moneylending activities.
Speak privately with your helper
When it is safe to do so, have a calm, private conversation with your helper:
- Ask her honestly whether she has borrowed from loansharks and how much
- Clarify whether your address or contact details were given
- Explain clearly that illegal borrowing is serious and can affect her job and safety
Try to understand the full picture before deciding on next steps.
Working with your maid agency & authorities
Once immediate safety is addressed, you will need to decide what to do about your helper’s employment and how to cooperate with your agency and the authorities.
1. Inform your maid agency early
Share with your agency:
- What has happened so far (including any police report reference)
- The helper’s explanation, if she has shared with you
- Any evidence of harassment or threats
Your agency can guide you on available options in line with MOM rules and your service agreement.
2. Clarify employment options
Depending on the situation, you may:
- Continue employment with closer supervision and clear conditions
- Consider a transfer or termination in line with MOM requirements
- Arrange temporary accommodation if advised (for example, via the agency)
Every case is different. Your decision should balance family safety, helper’s well-being and legal obligations.
3. Cooperate fully with the police
If a police report is made:
- Provide accurate information when asked
- Share any new evidence that appears
- Follow any safety guidance given for your household
Avoid confronting suspected loansharks on your own. Let the authorities handle enforcement.
4. Respect legal obligations towards your helper
Even if you are unhappy, your helper still has rights as a worker. For example:
- Avoid physical or verbal abuse
- Do not lock her in or restrict her movement unlawfully
- Do not force her to sign documents she does not understand
If you intend to end the employment, your agency can help you follow proper procedures.
Supporting your helper & preventing future issues
While loanshark cases are serious, they also highlight the importance of financial awareness and early communication.
1. Talk about money and borrowing early
During onboarding or after a loanshark incident, you can:
- Explain clearly that borrowing from illegal moneylenders is a crime and dangerous
- Encourage your helper to speak up early if she faces financial difficulties
- Set house rules on how she should handle debt or requests for money
2. Encourage safe financial habits
Where possible, help your helper understand:
- Basic budgeting for salary and remittances
- Why “easy” loans with very high interest are risky
- That she should never give your address or contact as “guarantor” without your consent
3. Watch for stress and behavioural changes
Sudden changes in mood, sleep or focus may indicate stress or financial pressure. Early, calm conversations can:
- Help you detect problems before they escalate
- Give your helper space to be honest about difficulties
- Allow you and your agency to advise her appropriately
4. Build a culture of trust and boundaries
A good working relationship combines kindness and clear boundaries. Make it clear that:
- You will not tolerate loanshark involvement or harassment
- You expect honesty about serious matters affecting your family’s safety
- You are willing to listen and guide her towards safer choices
