Groups warn of bogus donation calls exploiting helpers’ deaths in Hong Kong fire

A workers’ rights organisation and other concern groups in Hong Kong have warned the public to be vigilant against fraudulent appeals for donations by those exploiting the deaths of foreign domestic helpers in the Tai Po fire.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, the Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Network, Beranda Migran and the Coordination of Returned Indonesian Migrants urged the public to refrain from donating directly to the families of the deceased workers.

“We understand that some members of the public are openly soliciting donations for the families of deceased foreign domestic workers. In this regard, we strongly urge caution as many are exploiting the current situation,” the statement read.

As of Tuesday, nine Indonesians and one Filipino were among at least 151 people who died in the blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The 10 domestic workers were among more than 200 helpers working at the housing complex.

Thirty-six Indonesians and seven Filipinos remained missing as of Monday, according to the local consulates for the two countries.

“We have seen suspicious individuals exploiting the fire incident to commit fraud, which is deeply concerning. It is possible that someone may use the family members’ documents to engage in fraud and profit from it,” the groups said.

They pointed to an online post on social media platform Threads calling for donations to the husband of a deceased Indonesian domestic helper, Erawati.