Filipina cleared of laundering HK$1.1M in rare case

 

A Filipina who was charged with money laundering after an account was opened in her name with an online bank and used to deposit $1.1 million in crime money, was acquitted today at Eastern Court in a decision that differed from the way courts look at this kind of cases.

Daisy Eugenio, 53 years old, tearfully thanked Deputy Magistrate Ho Tsz-chun after he read his decision clearing her of the charge of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offense, contrary to sections 25(1) and 25(3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

“I’m so happy and relieved,” she told The SUN later.

Basahin ang detalye!

Eugenio was charged with handling HK$1,125,995.38  of money raised from a fake investment scam, through her account with MOX Bank Limited in 126 transactions over 11 days from Jan. 7 to Jan. 17, 2024.

In previous court decisions, Filipinos who had HK$1 million or more laundered through their bank accounts were jailed for at least one year.

In his decision, Magistrate Ho gave credence to her testimony that she had no control of the bank account, the main argument of the prosecution. The prosecution has failed to prove she operated the account, he concluded.

Eugenio after emerging from the court

In the account’s customer profile, for example, her preferred language was listed as traditional Chinese, which she did not speak or read. “Anyone who opens an account will not use a language he does not use,” he said.

Her occupation was listed as “courier” when she was a domestic helper, and her income was supposed to be $300,000 yearly when she was earning $6,000 a month ($72,000 a year).

Crucially, her listed address, to which the ATM card and the password were mailed separately after the application was approved by MOX Bank, was not where she and her employer stayed.

Magistrate Ho thus gave credence to her claim that she did not know she had a MOX Bank account until police arrested her at the Immigration Department when she was extending her visa.

Eugenio had testified that the account was opened when a Chinese man and a Filipino woman approached her and two friends in a Wanchai park and offered a promo which gave a 20 percent discount on purchases of $300 or more at Giordano and Bossini.

They just needed to register their HKID, which they could then use to get the discount in Giordano and Bossini outlets anywhere in Hong Kong. After taking a picture of their HKID, the Chinese man took their “selfies”, Eusebio testified.

Magistrate Ho believed her claim that she was not aware that this opened an account in MOX Bank. He said this was understandable since she is just a high school graduate and had only limited knowledge of technology. She had only one bank account, which she used for remitting money to her family.

Read earlier news story: https://www.sunwebhk.com/2026/04/pinay-denies-role-in-11m-money.html

Pinay fined for keeping iPhone she found

 

A domestic helper has learned an expensive lesson - that a mobile phone she found in front of a McDonald’s restaurant was not for her to keep.

Nena Passi, 56 years old, had to pay a fine of $950 and a compensation of $50 to owner LI Yu Qian, on Thursday (April 23) at West Kowloon Court after she pleaded guilty to theft, in violation of section 9 of the Theft Ordinance, as charged by Tsuen Wan Police.

Basahin ang detalye!

The $1,000 was deducted from the cash bail of the same amount, which she posted earlier.

Passi was charged with theft after she found one Apple iPhone 13 and one Hello Kitty case valued at $2,354, outside the McDonald’s restaurant in Tsuen Wan Plaza, Tsuen Wan, last Feb. 20, and decided to keep it.

The phone was returned to the owner after Passi was arrested.             

Another Filipina jailed 6 months for laundering $315K

 

Another Filipina was sent to jail for six months today for money laundering after admitting at Kwun Tong Court that her bank account was used as depository for funds that came from crime.

Grace Macalinao, 52 years old and works as a domestic helper had pleaded guilty to dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offense, contrary to sections 25(1) and 25(3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

Basahin ang detalye!

Acting Principal Magistrate May Hung set a starting point of nine months’ imprisonment but gave her a one-third discount.

She was arrested by Tseung Kwan O Police after $315,040.00 in crime money found its way into the her account with Hang Seng Bank Limited between March 2 and March 27, 2020.

Police said Macalinao, together with persons unknown, dealt with the funds which, “in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, represented any person's proceeds of an indictable offense.”

Ex-DH sought over alleged HK$290k theft

 

The block of flats where alleged theft took place

A Filipina former domestic helper is reportedly being sought after a theft of jewelry amounting to HK$290,000 allegedly went missing from a Pok Fu Lam flat where she used to work.

A 51-year-old woman living in Pokfulam Gardens as well as her husband contacted the police at around 10am on Wednesday to report that several pieces of jewelry she owned valued had gone missing.

Basahin ang detalye!

Officers who investigated the report classified the case as theft, and are continuing the investigation.

A 42-year-old Filipina who used to work as a domestic helper in the house has been identified as a suspect and is now being sought by the police.

DH awaits verdict on poison possession charge

Sample of E cigar that uses nicotine cartridge (photo for illustration only) .
Photo by Jodanw22 at English Wikipedia

A domestic helper will find out on May 5 whether she is guilty or not of possession of Part I poison after her one-day trial concluded today at Eastern Court and adjourned for verdict.

J. Caisip, 37 years old, had denied a police charge that she had in her possession a Part I poison in violation of sections 23(1), 33(1) and 34 of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance,

Magistrate Kestrel Lam released her on bail of $200.

Basahin ang detalye!

Caisip was arrested on Nov. 28, last year at Room B, 23/F of Cathay Lodge, on Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, for possession of one transparent cartridge containing 0.14 gram of a liquid containing nicotine.

The substance, packaged as a vape cartridge, is classified as a poison which no person is allowed to possess unless permitted under the provisions of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.

PCG warns Filipinos against engaging in illegal gambling

 

The Consulate advisory against illegal gambling

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has reminded Filipinos in Hong Kong that it is illegal to manage unauthorized gambling establishments or engage in gambling outside of a licensed gambling establishment, “whatever the amount.”

The warning came after police confirmed the arrest of six people, four women and two men aged 35 to 61 years old, for illegal gambling on Chater Road in Central on Sunday, April 19.

Cash amounting to $1,400 and a batch of gambling equipment were seized during the operation.

Basahin ang detalye!

Eyewitnesses said those arrested were Filipinos and they were led away from the scene in handcuffs, in full view of a large number of people who were in the vicinity at the time.

The area where they were allegedly caught gambling was seen being sealed off for further investigation.

Several areas in Central are known blackspots for illegal gambling by Filipino migrant workers, especially on Sundays. These include a stairway on Murray Road near Chater Garden, and the perimeter of City Hall

The arrest was among at least three carried out over the past several days by police who used drones for the first time to catch the suspects engaging in illegal street gambling.

One was in Chung On Estate in Ma On Shan, which resulted in the arrest of eight people and the seizure of $420 in cash, along with some gambling equipment.

The other one was in Tsuen Wan where 12 elderly suspects were arrested, including a 91-year-old man. Seized from them was $451 cash and some gambling paraphernalia.

Police said in a news conference that it will strengthen patrol to crack down on illegal street gambling.

All gambling activities in Hong Kong are illegal unless run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club or licensed mahjong parlors, restaurants and clubhouses.

Illegal gambling is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$5 million.

 

Mark 6 to mark 50th year with $228M jackpot

 

One of Mark 6 beneficiaries: The Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon

Mark Six will celebrate its 50th anniversary with two mega snowball draws, with the first one featuring the  biggest-ever jackpot of $228 million taking place on May 2.

Tickets for this inaugural snowball draw will be on sale after the regular draw on April 25. Sales will close at 9:15pm on May 2. Details of the second commemorative snowball will be announced later.

This will mark the last draw on the fourth-generation drawing machine, which has been in service for 16 years. The fifth-generation model will be used in succeeding draws, including the second snowball on a still-undisclosed date.

Basahin ang detalye!

The Mark Six, launched in 1976, has supported more than 25,000 projects of social welfare organizations through $55.4 billon in lottery duty to the government, and $30.7 billion in contributions to the Lotteries Fund, the HK Jockey Club said.

As of April 18, its most frequently drawn numbers are 30, appearing 515 times, 49 (514 times), 24 (511 times), 22 (503 times) and 13(500 times). The least popular number is 19, which has been drawn 437 times, followed by 41 (439 times), 23 and 25 (447 times each), and 43 (448 times).

The snowball draw is only one of a series of activities to commemorate five decades of serving the community and part of the club’s Year of the Horse campaign.

The “Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” will be held at Duplex Studio, Tai Kwun, in Central from May 1 to May 10 under the theme “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”. To be featured are precious Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets.

The exhibition will also feature a simulated draw studio, where visitors can take instant photos with a retired drawing machine, and sale of souvenir items.

“The Club’s Year of the Horse campaign is a year-long celebration of the close bond between horses and humans and the contribution racing makes to Hong Kong,” HKJC said.

“Through the success of Hong Kong horses on the international stage, the sport also brings pride to the community and global recognition to our city,” it added.

FDHs urged to get measles vaccine as 3rd airport case reported

 

HK regards FDHs as high risk for measles 

A third measles infection has reportedly occurred among three men working in the same company at the Hong Kong International Airport, prompting a call for airport staff and foreign domestic workers to get vaccinated against the disease.

The latest case involves a 37-year-old airport worker who developed a fever and myalgia since Apr 15, followed by a cough and a sore throat the next day.

He consulted a doctor in a Tuen Mun clinic on Apr 16 and 18 , after which he developed a rash. The next day the Center for Health Protection arranged for his admission to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment and isolation.

Basahin ang detalye!

On Monday, tests showed he had measles. He remains in hospital where he’s reported to be in stable condition.

Further investigation showed he worked in the same company at the airport as the two other men who caught the disease earlier.

The patient lives alone and is unsure if he received measles vaccination. The CHP thinks the three cases are related.

According to the patient, in between visiting private clinics on Apr 16 and 18 he reported for work to the airport on Apr15 and 19.

The CHP has started contact tracing to find out close contacts of the patient, as well as high-risk individuals. A total of 31 individuals who were in the clinic while the patient was there, plus 68 staff at his workplace, have been identified as close contacts and will be closely monitored.

In addition a health booth set up by the CHP at the airport on Apr 18 has so far provided assessment and vaccination for more than 200 staff. It will continue to operate until Apr 22.

The press statement did not explain why FDHs were singled out in the police advisory, although it did say that cases of measles remain high in the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.

It added that while Hong Kong has a high level of immunization it remains vulnerable to infection from imported cases, owing to the big number of people who come in from various places.

As measles is airborne it could be highly contagious, but full vaccination is usually enough to protect one from infection. 

The CHP has sent a letter to all registered doctors and aviation industry to inform them of the measles outbreak and urged them to be vigilant and report suspicious cases. A copy of the letter has also been sent to employment agencies asking them to encourage FDHs to receive the measles vaccine.

Measles has an incubation period of 7 to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Travelers returning from places with measles outbreak are urged to seek medical advice, and to isolate immediately. Pregnant women and babies under a year old are high risk for the disease.

 

DH gets 3 months jail for HK$6k theft

 

The theft took place in this neighborhood (Google Maps photo)

A domestic helper was jailed today for three months after she pleaded guilty at Eastern Court to two cases of theft of a total of $6,000 in cash from her employers.

Arlene Reyes, 27 years old, was sentenced to 4.5 months for each count of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance, but received a one-third discount for her guilty plea from Principal Magistrate David Cheung.

Magistrate Cheung also ordered the two sentences to run at the same time.

Basahin ang detalye!

The first theft took place on March 19 at the employers’ flat in Fortress Garden, Fortress Hill, when she stole $3,000 in cash, the property of Tang Kai-wei. A police report filed today said Tang discovered the cash missing from her bedroom.

Tang’s sister, Tang Xiao-feng, also discovered her own $3,000 mssing from her bedroom on the same day.

When they sought her out, they discovered Reyes was missing and could not be contacted. This prompted them to report the theft to police.

She was placed on the police watch list and was arrested on April 18 after arriving from Macau at the bus terminal near the airport.

During investigation, she admitted committing the theft just three months after starting work in Hong Kong. She claimed she needed the money to pay her boarding house.

Filipinos picked up for gambling in Central

 

Gambling area is sealed off after the suspects were led to an unmarked van in handcuffs

UPDATE: A group of Filipinos was hauled away by police officers from Statue Square in Central at about mid-day today on suspicion of illegal gambling.

The arrest was witnessed by a number of Filipinos, including those gathered on Chater Road which is closed to traffic on Sunday, to celebrate Cordillera Day.

According to one eyewitness, about 10 were arrested, all of them women except for two. They were reportedly put in handcuffs and led to an unmarked police van parked nearby before being taken away for questioning.

But a statement issued by the police later said two men and four women aged 35 to 61 were arrested for ïllegal gambling on the street and were still being detained for questioning.

Cash amounting to $1,400 and a batch of gambling equipment were seized during the operation.

Basahin ang detalye!

The bus stop area where they were allegedly found gambling was sealed with police tape for evidence-gathering.

Several areas in Central are known blackspots for illegal gambling by migrant workes, especially on Sundays. These include a stairway near Chater Garden and the perimeter of City Hall .

The Central operation was carried out amid reports police have taken to using drones to track illegal activities, including unlicensed gambling.

A statement from the police released today said drones were used for the first time to counter street-illegal gambling in Chung On Estate in Ma On Shan as part of an operation carried out from Apr 5 to 18.

Eight suspects – seven men and one woman – were arrested and HK$420 in cash was seized, along with gambling equipment.

Police vowed to strengthen patrols to crack down on illegal gambling on the streets.

All gambling activities in Hong Kong are illegal unless run by the Hong Kong Jockey Club or licensed mahjong parlors, restaurants and clubhouses.

Illegal street gambling is punishable by a maximum sentence of nine months in prison and a HK$50,000 fine.

MWO extends help to Filipina DH arrested for alleged child abuse

 

Le Sommet in North Point where the alleged offence is said to have taken place

The Migrant Workers Office has been in touch and is extending help to a 39-year-old Filipina domestic worker arrested yesterday on suspicion of ill-treating a 15-month-old baby in her care.

This is according to a MWO case worker who said their office reached out to the arrested worker after news of her arrest was published earlier today.

According to news reports, the helper was arrested at the flat of her employer at Le Sommet on Fortress Hill Road at about 4pm yesterday after a woman called the police and said that her son may have fallen off a bed because of mistreatment.

Basahin ang detalye!

The details of the alleged abuse were not made clear. However, officers who responded to the call arrested the domestic helper after a preliminary inquiry on suspicion of “ill treatment or neglect by those in charge of a child or young person.”

The helper remains in police custody for further questioning.

The toddler was taken to Ruttonjee Hospital examination though he had no apparent injuries.

Ill-treating a child is punishable under Hong Kong’s Offences Against the Person Ordinance with up to 10 years in prison upon indictment of 3 years on summary conviction.

Filipina loses DC appeal to avoid paying loan; bill balloons

The District Court is housed in this building in Wan Chai

A Filipina who appealed a District Court ruling that granted a money lender’s right to collect overdue repayments to two loans plus interest, found herself facing a much bigger bill after the court today rejected her two appeals.

Deputy District Judge Louise Chan said Gilda H. Delay’s grounds of appeal were mostly a replay of her case and evidence in the two cases that were heard together, “and one must remember Delay did not give evidence in the trial but attempted to introduce all evidence from a hearsay perspective from one TamAng.”

She added: “Since most of the points raised by Delay in her Grounds of Appeal, written submissions and oral submissions were simply regurgitation of her earlier submissions for the Trial, I do not consider that Delay has any reasonable chance of success in appealing against any of my primary findings of facts as the Judgment has already provided all the weighing exercise and considerations I made before coming to my decision.”

With the ruling, not only is Delay liable to pay Pacific Ace Finance Limited $1,442 and $8,250 as the unpaid principal for the two loans she took out with co-borrowers Andrenee Villasfer and Rosalina Villasfer, who have since both left Hong Kong, she must also pay default interest amounting to $3,117.56 and $25,007.67, plus the interest on both loans from the date of judgment until payment.

Basahin ang detalye!

And since she lost in court, Delay is also liable to pay the legal costs of Pacific Ace: $530,000 for its solicitors plus an order nisi of $47,523 for the appeal, which will become final unless amended within 14 days.

The two cases were money lenders’ actions, in which Pacific Ace tried to recover the principal sum with interest of two loans.

“In my Judgment (handed down on July 10, 2025), I found in favor of P (Pacific Ace),” Judge Chan said.

Delay took out two summonses for these cases on Aug. 6, 2025 for leave to appeal.

See previous news story here: https://www.sunwebhk.com/2025/07/money-lender-wins-collection-suit-vs-3.html

JIL warns of people using its name for illegal recruitment to New Zealand

 

Screenshot of the FB account used to trick the 3 OFWs

The Jesus is Lord Church in Hong Kong says it is not in any way linked to a man who had claimed to be a member of its branch in New Zealand so he could trick at least three Filipina domestic workers in the city into applying for non-existent jobs abroad.

The man who used the name Jhon Marquez on Facebook had managed to convince the Filipinas to part with thousands of dollars so they could take up his offer of working in New Zealand as “tomato picker” for which they would reportedly be paid the equivalent of Php35,000 a week.

To sweeten the deal, “Jhon” who reportedly also said he was working with the Philippine embassy in New Zealand, promised the women that they could leave Hong Kong in just five months as long as they paid the processing fee.

Basahin ang detalye!

But after the victims sent money to e-wallets in the Philippines in the names of "John Michael Sana" and "Sarah Jane Sales" according to his instructions, Jhon blocked them all on Facebook.

On being told about the apparent scam, JIL HK Pastor Bart Itong contacted his colleagues in New Zealand and they told him they did not know any Jhon Marquez, but will investigate further.

JIL HK has also forwarded the records of the case to Senator Joel Villanueva, son of the church founder and spiritual director Eddie Villanueva, so Philippine authorities could also take action, noting that those who received the victims’ money are based there.

Of the three victims, 43-year-old Donna lost the biggest amount. She got so excited about the job prospect that she realized only later that she had sent more than the original amount of Php62,000 that Jhon had asked for.

Donna said she first learned about the New Zealand job last March 29 from her longtime neighbour, Marla, who is a devout JIL member. Marla reportedly told her that Jhon was sending workers to New Zealand and that there was a last remaining slot in the batch that would be deployed next. Donna was persuaded to grab the opportunity.

Marla reportedly told Donna that all she had to pay was Php24,000 for the “red ribbon” (verification) of her work contract to start the ball rolling. Marla then introduced Jhon to Donna, saying he was with the Philippine embassy and could help obtain the verified contract.

Donna was then asked to send a copy of her passport, birth certificate and diploma online, and told that the additional fee of Php38,000 was being waived as a concession.

She said she initially sent Php8,000 through Alipay to the GCash account of Sales, number 09302216198, on March 29.

But the next day, Marla reportedly told Donna that she must still pay the Php38,000 that was supposedly waived, per Sana’s instruction.

The biggest remittance made by Donna to Sana

After she received her salary on March 31 Donna sent money thrice to the Maya wallet of Sana, number 09101660256. The first amounted to Php4,515; the second, Php11,500;  and the third was for P12,515.

Sana then told Donna she must send more money for enrolment as that was due that same day. Donna did as she was told, and remitted a further Php30,015 to Sana. However, he said no money got into his account and told her to send an additional Php13,275.

By this time, Donna had sent a total of Php79,820 (HK$10,400.00) to Sales and Sana, through their personal details provided by Jhon.

That same afternoon, Sana reportedly reached out to her and the two other victims, Marla and Trina, via a video call. Donna said she was out of the house and could barely understand what was going on because of the bad connection.

Later, she was shocked to discover that she could no longer see Sana’s account, making her realize that she had been scammed.

Donna said Marla and Trina had also sent money to Sana, but in smaller amounts. However, they learned through a chat group formed by other victims, that many other OFWs, including those working in Singapore, had fallen into the same trap.

One is said to have lost a total of Php190,000, all because of the mistaken trust she had placed on the man they thought would do no wrong as he had professed to be a man of faith.

 

 

Credit card spending spree sends Pinoy to District Court

 

Tuen Mun Court

A Filipino who found an American Express credit card may have thought little of it initially, but when he used the card to make purchases totaling $7,974 the next day, he fell into serious trouble with the law.

Serious enough for the Tuen Mun Magistrates Court to elevate his case of two counts of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance, to the District Court.

Acting Principal Magistrate Daniel Tang remanded repairman Mark Dave Ballesteros, 34 years old, to jail after adjourning the case to May 7 at District Court.

Basahin ang detalye!

A police complaint accused Ballesteros of stealing the credit card belonging to Tsui Wing-sze on Oct. 3 last year.

The next day, he allegedly went on a shopping spree, spending $7,974 using the credit card, incurring debt for Tsui to American Express International, Inc.

HK finance officials to brief Filipinos on new money lending laws

 

The Filipino community in Hong Kong is invited to attend a briefing tomorrow, April 16, 2pm to 5pm, on the new regulations on money lending that are due to take effect on Aug 1 this year.

The orientation to be conducted by the Hong Kong Financial Services and Treasury Bureau (FSTB) will be held at the Narra Hall of the OFW Global Center on the 18^th floor of United Centre Building in Admiralty.

The Philippine Consulate General which is hosting the briefing, said the FSTB speakers will discuss specifics of the new measures meant to enhance regulation of money lenders.

Basahin ang detalye!

“Said information is intended to help safeguard vulnerable borrowers, including members of the Filipino community, from excessive borrowing and its attendant risks,” said the PCG.

A key amendment to the Money Lenders Ordinance restricts the monthly loan repayment of low-income earners, particularly foreign domestic workers, to between 35% and 40% of their monthly salary.

In addition, there will be a complete ban on using loan referees, which lawmakers say should reduce harassment by debt collectors, particularly of employers of absconding FDHs.

The amendments were passed following public consultations held from June to August last year.

To register participation in the briefing, please click on this link:  https://forms.gle/5apYVLBgnzcC1LKh8.

For inquiries or further assistance, you may email the Consulate’s Economic Diplomacy Section at this address:  hongkongpcg.economic@dfa.gov.ph.

 

Communication key to dealing with job agencies

Improved communication prevents problems with employment agencies

If domestic helpers have much to complain about their employment agencies that placed them in jobs, employers have as much to complain about. In fact, over 100 complaints are filed by employers against them each year, according to the Consumer Council.

The primary responsibility of employment agencies is to handle procedures for bringing domestic helpers to Hong Kong. Problems that arise from this can be avoided by strengthened communication with both employers and helpers, it said.

Basahin ang detalye!

“This includes gaining a comprehensive understanding of prospective employers’ needs and domestic helpers’ experience and capabilities in order to make appropriate matching, as well as verifying domestic helpers’ information as far as practicable to fulfil their gatekeeping role,” the Council said.

In cases such as domestic helpers backing out, agencies should notify the employers as soon as possible and provide appropriate assistance, such as arranging substitute domestic helpers or refunds, to enhance consumer confidence, it added.

However, as some agencies require payment of sums ranging from $14,000 to $16,000, which constitutes acceptance of the terms and arrangements, employers should not rush into paying.

“They should carefully read the service agreement or contract before the transaction to understand the refund policy and the terms and conditions for replacing domestic helpers, so as to safeguard their rights,” it added

The Council will continue to closely monitor industry developments and reflect consumers’ concerns to traders in a timely manner, with a view to encouraging service quality enhancement.

Pinay DH reports losing P100k to online ‘scratch and win’’scammers

 

Screenshot of the Facebook page used to entice many of the HK victims

A Filipina domestic helper has reported losing around Php100k to a “scratch and win lottery” scammers that entice victims through live streaming on Facebook, and apparently targets migrant workers.

Loida, 48 years old, said she was encouraged to buy “scratch cards” after seeing the live broadcast on “Scratch Win Live” by the scammers who do not show their faces on screen but can be heard rallying people to join and continuously jotting down the supposed winnings of participants.

Loida said she saw a number of posts in the comments section saying they had received their prizes, which assured her that the lottery was “legit.”

Basahin ang detalye!

At first she was told that all she had to pay was HK$220 to the GCash account of someone named “Jeraldine Dela Fuente Sanquez” to get 40 cards that would be scratched to reveal hidden prizes denominated in US dollars.

But after a number of her cards were scratched and her supposed winnings reached more than Php1million, Loida was told she needed to pay the full price of HK$2000 before they could proceed further.

Believing that she had already hit the jackpot but wanted more, Loida readily paid the balance of K$1,780 (Php13,740) to the GCash account of “Jibmmy Saruce Sugeta”.

Not long after, her supposed winnings hit more than Php3 million and Loida was told she needed to use a code to get into a Telegram chat to learn how she could collect her winnings.

On the Telegram app, Loida was informed through chat that she needed to pay a processing fee of Php39,819 to one Justine Carlbuce through the GCash account number +63 9560083207 before she could collect her prize. She immediately complied.

The scammers could only be heard, not seen

But after sending the money, she received a notification with the heading “New York State Gaming Commission” telling her that she needed to pay a “currency conversion fee” as she had asked that her prize money which was in peso be deposited to her Hong Kong bank account.

The amount she was asked to pay this time was Php42,217, to be credited to the GCash account of one Berlinda Z. Cabulao, number +63 9456216542. Though getting wary, Loida did as she was told.

This was after she was shown a message to one Mary Grace supposedly from BDO informing her that her winning of Php1.66 million had already been deposited to her account.

Loida eventually came to her senses when told that she needed to pay another Php72,000 for supposedly sending the wrong code.

'Wrong code' notification

She blew her top and warned that she would inform the NBI about the scam, but was just brushed off. Each time she tried to post a comment on their wall to warn others about the scam, it would be immediately deleted.

To this day, she said she is able to access the page, as well as new ones they have created to continue defrauding people, but all her pleas and threats to get her money back are being ignored.

“Gusto kong isuplong ang mga scammer na ito dahil hindi lang ako ang biktima,” (I want to complain against these scammers because I am not the only victim), Loida told the assistance to nationals section of the Migrant Workers Office.

Indeed, there have been others who were enticed to pay at least HK$2,000 to the gang, most of them Hong Kong-based domestic helpers, according to Maria, who was the only one who managed to stop after sending the initial amount of HK$220.

Maria said that while the scammers claim to be operating in Kowloon Tong, this could not be independently verified, meaning they could actually be based in the Philippines which would explain why the money is always sent to GCash accounts there.

A new Facebook page but the same modus operandi

Maria has gathered a number of the victims after seeing them post on the live feed expressing their interest in joining the scratch scam. Unfortunately all of them had already paid HK$2000 each before she could stop them.

According to Maria, some of the victims had used money they were supposed to use to pay off loans in paying the scammers. Loida herself said she had set aside the money she lost to the scammers for her child’s upcoming graduation.

What’s more sad is that this was not the first time Loida had been scammed. About six years ago she was enticed to put HK$40,000 into an investment scheme offered by a person she had treated as kin. The fellow domestic helper who shared her surname disappeared after moving with her employer to a new home without telling her.