A rogue domestic helper agency

[RichardLangford]

24 hours later, I have made another visit to this agency after she said I could collect the money this morning. But when I turned up I was told that the money would be transfered into my Hang Seng account tonight. But it wasn't. Several times now they have promised this.

The Indonesian Consulate has no interest in protecting their people here, only exploiting them. They are despicable.

[Emuse]

Yes, yes, I know... it's the principle.. but, if you are that worried about your helper, giver her the 1400 HKD. That's very little for us and then you save yourself fighting a pointless battle, time, energy, and headache. Unfortunately you and she have no other recourse than reporting it to the Police as KIA reccommended. And yes, I know... this is giving in to the evil ones. But what else can you do?

[RichardLangford]

The latest on this, one week and several more excuses later, the rogue agency has put 2 cheques into my account which have both bounced.

That does help us a bit, as I believe HK law follows UK law in that it is fairly easy to sue over bounced cheques here.

But as some people have said, this may not be worth fighting over. i will talk to the Labour dept and Small claims court.

[KnowItAll]

Get the cops involved now that checks have been bounced.

[hermoine]

This may be getting ridiculous, but those local newspapers and magazines equivalent to the UK's Sun, Daily Sports, Mail on Sunday etc etc may be highly interested in your daughter in law's case, and may well be able to pursue further on your behalf! Try Appledaily, Oriental Daily, The Sun, East Magazine, Next Magazine etc. These are the creme de gossips in Hong Kong, I believe.

Also, try filing a complaint at the Consumer Council. You can do this online.

[RichardLangford]

After getting details of this agency from Revenue tower, visting the Labour Department, Bank, Small Claims Court & Domestic Helper Support Centre I took a mate with me up to Mongkok yesterday afternoon. Went in there and surprised them that I knew the owners name when I shouted it out. Maybe that, my agitated voice or 2 gweilos instead of one made a difference as they apologised and handed me the cash. End of the matter!

Hermoine - your idea was not so ridiculous as a number of other people have also made both suggestions to me!

And thank you everyone who replied to this post with your different suggestions! Case closed!

[jimbo]

even though the case is closed from your end, definately tell the press too as the more people that know about these crooks the better.