OFWs in HK, Macau warned vs. loan scam using OWWA’s name

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz on Wednesday warned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong and Macau against a scam using the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for an anomalous loan program.

"OWWA is not offering such loan," Baldoz said in a statement. "Be wary about this scam that asks OFWs to pay a certain amount in exchange of an availment of loan from the OWWA.”
 
Under the illegal scheme, announced on a Facebook page called OWWA Loan, OFWs are required to deposit HK$1,000 to avail of OWWA loans. The site has since been reported and deactivated by the social media site.

The scam was first brought to the public's attention by OWWA in August after the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Hong Kong reported numerous phone calls from OFWs inquiring about the loan.

OWWA administrator Rebecca Calzado urged Filipino workers to be more careful with their finances and to only transact with government offices to avoid such scams.

“I urge you not to give any information, especially if financial in nature, to unidentified persons.  Transact only with OWWA offices to prevent being victimized by scams,” she said.

Filipinos were urged to report suspicious individuals, groups, or transactions through (+632) 551-1560 or (+632)551-6641,  0917-898-6992, or owwa_opcenter247@yahoo.com. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News