Hong Kong Privacy Watchdog Warns 3 Domestic Workers Over Loan Scams Using Employers' Data

Hong Kong's privacy watchdog has taken action against three foreign domestic workers who misused their employers' personal information to obtain loans without consent. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) announced Tuesday that these workers used their employers' names, mobile phone numbers, and residential addresses to borrow money from finance companies.

Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung stated that the employers were unaware of these loan applications and had not consented to the use of their data. The PCPD found that the workers had violated the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, as the loans were unrelated to their employment. In some cases, employers received calls and WhatsApp messages demanding repayment, with one employer even being warned that debt collectors would visit their home if the domestic worker's debts were not settled.

Chung acknowledged the significant contributions of foreign domestic workers to households in Hong Kong. However, she stressed that using employers' personal data for loans without their knowledge or consent can cause unnecessary distress. Following the discovery of the misuse of personal data, all three domestic workers were dismissed by their employers.

The PCPD advised employers affected by such incidents to report them to the government. This information could be considered if the workers apply to return to Hong Kong in the future. The watchdog also issued a reminder to all foreign domestic workers, emphasizing the necessity of obtaining explicit consent before using employers' personal information for loan applications or any other purposes beyond their employment duties. This issue is particularly relevant as reports from 2024 indicated that loan sharks in Hong Kong often target foreign domestic workers, who are expected to send money back to support their families.

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Many employers also fully recognise FDHs’ [foreign domestic workers’] contributions to their households. However, if FDHs use their employers’ personal data to apply for loans without the employers’ knowledge or consent, unnecessary distress may be caused to the employers.