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Published on 30 Jul 2025 by Tina L.
We built Ministry of Helpers to be a place where domestic helpers and employers can connect safely, without fear of hidden fees, shady middlemen, or dishonest tactics. Every profile is reviewed, every match is made with care, and we work hard to keep our platform secure.
But what happens when someone uses our name outside the platform to trick others?
This is a true story about a scam that didn’t happen on Ministry of Helpers but still caused real harm. We’re sharing it as a warning, and as a guide, so no one else falls for the same trap.
Recently, a domestic helper received a message on Facebook Messenger from someone claiming to be an employer based in Singapore. The person said he had found her profile and wanted to hire her through Ministry of Helpers.
There was just one problem—she wasn’t even registered on our platform.
Still, the offer sounded promising. The scammer said her Work Permit had already been approved and that he just needed her to settle a few “processing requirements” before she could fly.
To make the story more believable, the scammer sent an invoice. It looked official at first glance, there was a logo, a reference number, and a list of charges that included:
- In-principle approval and document fees
- Insurance and security bond
- Airfare and ferry transport
- Indonesian immigration clearance
The invoice even had our name on it, although misspelled as “Minitry of Helper.”
Worried she might lose the opportunity, the helper transferred the money. It was only after the payment was made that she reached out to us to confirm if the process was real.
It wasn’t.
There were several clear warning signs:
- She had never created a profile on our platform
- We never charge domestic helpers any fees—not for jobs, processing, insurance, or airfare
- We do not send invoices to helpers
- We operate only under the name Ministry of Helpers
- We never contact helpers via Messenger
- We only message helpers on WhatsApp through our official MOH number, which is clearly shown on our app and website
STAY ON THE PLATFORM FOR YOUR SAFETY
This is exactly why we strongly encourage all helpers to stay within the Ministry of Helpers platform from the start of the hiring process until contract signing.
Remaining on-platform gives you access to verified employers, official agency partners, and the full support of our Client Services Team. Once you leave the platform, we can no longer protect your experience or your safety.
SPOT THE RED FLAGS
Here are some signs that the person you’re speaking with may not be genuine:
🚩 Spelling mistakes in company names (like “Minitry of Helper”)
🚩 Asking you to pay for documents, insurance, or transport
🚩 Pressuring you to make urgent payments
🚩 Claiming to be from Ministry of Helpers when you’re not even registered
🚩 Contacting you via personal apps like Messenger or unverified WhatsApp numbers
If something feels off, trust your instincts.
Even though this scam didn’t happen on our platform and the scammer wasn’t a registered user, we’re taking steps to raise awareness and prevent it from happening to others:
- We’ve issued a scam alert to our community
- We’ve increased education efforts around digital safety
- We’ve added visible scam prevention tips across our website and social channels
And most importantly: we’re keeping our platform free and safe for helpers, with zero fees involved in matching, document processing, or deployment.
If someone contacts you claiming to be from Ministry of Helpers and asks for payment:
- Do not send money
- Do not share your passport or documents
- Report it immediately to our team through any of these channels:
- Email: contact@ministryofhelpers.com
- WhatsApp: Message us through our official number (listed on our app and website)
- Facebook: Send us a message on our verified page
This case is a painful reminder of how easily scammers prey on trust and hope but it’s also a call to remain alert and informed.
We believe in a hiring journey built on transparency, dignity, and fairness—and we remain committed to protecting every helper who chooses to build a better future through our platform.
You might be interested in:
A Bouquet, a Spa Day, and the Power of Kindness: How One Employer Sets the Standard
When Employers Are Not Honest: A Cautionary Tale for Hiring Domestic Helpers
When a Helper Runs Away: A Real Story and Lessons for Employers
Why We Blocked an Employer: Upholding Mutual Respect in Domestic Work
The Risks of Direct Hiring: Employers Must Do Their Due Diligence
We built Ministry of Helpers to be a place where domestic helpers and employers can connect safely, without fear of hidden fees, shady middlemen, or dishonest tactics. Every profile is reviewed, every match is made with care, and we work hard to keep our platform secure.
But what happens when someone uses our name outside the platform to trick others?
This is a true story about a scam that didn’t happen on Ministry of Helpers but still caused real harm. We’re sharing it as a warning, and as a guide, so no one else falls for the same trap.
Recently, a domestic helper received a message on Facebook Messenger from someone claiming to be an employer based in Singapore. The person said he had found her profile and wanted to hire her through Ministry of Helpers.
There was just one problem—she wasn’t even registered on our platform.
Still, the offer sounded promising. The scammer said her Work Permit had already been approved and that he just needed her to settle a few “processing requirements” before she could fly.
To make the story more believable, the scammer sent an invoice. It looked official at first glance, there was a logo, a reference number, and a list of charges that included:
- In-principle approval and document fees
- Insurance and security bond
- Airfare and ferry transport
- Indonesian immigration clearance
The invoice even had our name on it, although misspelled as “Minitry of Helper.”
Worried she might lose the opportunity, the helper transferred the money. It was only after the payment was made that she reached out to us to confirm if the process was real.
It wasn’t.
There were several clear warning signs:
- She had never created a profile on our platform
- We never charge domestic helpers any fees—not for jobs, processing, insurance, or airfare
- We do not send invoices to helpers
- We operate only under the name Ministry of Helpers
- We never contact helpers via Messenger
- We only message helpers on WhatsApp through our official MOH number, which is clearly shown on our app and website
STAY ON THE PLATFORM FOR YOUR SAFETY
This is exactly why we strongly encourage all helpers to stay within the Ministry of Helpers platform from the start of the hiring process until contract signing.
Remaining on-platform gives you access to verified employers, official agency partners, and the full support of our Client Services Team. Once you leave the platform, we can no longer protect your experience or your safety.
SPOT THE RED FLAGS
Here are some signs that the person you’re speaking with may not be genuine:
🚩 Spelling mistakes in company names (like “Minitry of Helper”)
🚩 Asking you to pay for documents, insurance, or transport
🚩 Pressuring you to make urgent payments
🚩 Claiming to be from Ministry of Helpers when you’re not even registered
🚩 Contacting you via personal apps like Messenger or unverified WhatsApp numbers
If something feels off, trust your instincts.
Even though this scam didn’t happen on our platform and the scammer wasn’t a registered user, we’re taking steps to raise awareness and prevent it from happening to others:
- We’ve issued a scam alert to our community
- We’ve increased education efforts around digital safety
- We’ve added visible scam prevention tips across our website and social channels
And most importantly: we’re keeping our platform free and safe for helpers, with zero fees involved in matching, document processing, or deployment.
If someone contacts you claiming to be from Ministry of Helpers and asks for payment:
- Do not send money
- Do not share your passport or documents
- Report it immediately to our team through any of these channels:
- Email: contact@ministryofhelpers.com
- WhatsApp: Message us through our official number (listed on our app and website)
- Facebook: Send us a message on our verified page
This case is a painful reminder of how easily scammers prey on trust and hope but it’s also a call to remain alert and informed.
We believe in a hiring journey built on transparency, dignity, and fairness—and we remain committed to protecting every helper who chooses to build a better future through our platform.
You might be interested in:
A Bouquet, a Spa Day, and the Power of Kindness: How One Employer Sets the Standard
When Employers Are Not Honest: A Cautionary Tale for Hiring Domestic Helpers
When a Helper Runs Away: A Real Story and Lessons for Employers
Why We Blocked an Employer: Upholding Mutual Respect in Domestic Work
The Risks of Direct Hiring: Employers Must Do Their Due Diligence