- Don’t borrow beyond your limits. You and your family will have to bear tremendous financial strain relating to the costs and interest expenses for any default in repayment. Borrow only if you are able to repay a loan.
- Either when applying for a loan or after successfully obtaining a loan, don’t hand over any money to any third party. When they have got the money, they will never turn up again.
- The third party may be a financial intermediary or any other person. Common tactics to swindle money include :
- Keeping the money for custody
- Obtaining the money to improve your credit record for applying another loan
- Obtaining the money to purchase goods or services or make investment, etc.
- Don’t engage an intermediary who has not been appointed by a money lender.
- If you apply for a loan through an intermediary, you must disclose the particulars of the intermediary to the money lender. Do not hide the involvement of the intermediary even if you are asked to do so by any person; otherwise you will likely suffer financial loss.
- Remember: Financial intermediaries must not charge you any fees however named, including administrative fees, handling fees, consulting fees, etc. Any such fees are illegal.
Before or after obtaining a loan,
Don’t Pay Any third party
| Name of Hotline |
Telephone |
| Anti-Deception Coordination Centre of Police – Anti-Scam Helpline 18222 |
18222 |
| Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre – Financial Distress Counselling Hotline |
3161 0102 |
| Tung Wah Group of Hospitals – Financial Relief and Counselling Hotline |
2548 8411 |
| Social Welfare Department Hotline |
2343 2255 |
