The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has issued a warning to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) after a post circulated online claimed that free groceries and health services were being given away in the city under a government program.
The post urged Filipinos to visit a shop in Sham Shui Po to collect groceries worth HK$5,000 and another optical shop in Central for free eye check-ups and glasses for those aged 65 and above.
“No such program (from the Hong Kong government) exists,” said Vice Consul Gino Soriano, head of the consulate’s assistance to nationals section. He stressed that even if shops were offering groceries or services, they were not from the Hong Kong government. The consulate has already referred the matter to Aberdeen Police Station in the Western District for possible investigation.
In its official advisory titled “Warning Against Scam Messages Offering Aid from Hong Kong Government”, the PCG said that suspicious offers of freebies could be attempts to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information, later used for crimes such as money laundering. “The Filipino community is advised to be vigilant and discerning with random messages received online,” the advisory stated.
Checks with OFWs revealed that no free groceries were being distributed. Instead, products marketed for elderly individuals were being charged against the HK$2,000 medical vouchers provided by the Hong Kong government to residents aged 65 and above, including migrant domestic workers.
Many OFWs remain unaware that these vouchers can be used for medical, dental, and eye care across numerous clinics in Hong Kong, including reputable providers such as Quality Health Care. The vouchers, which can accumulate to HK$8,000 if unused, cover a range of health services including physiotherapy and acupuncture.
The consulate also reminded Filipinos not to share their HKID cards or personal details such as mobile numbers and addresses with unknown groups, citing the high prevalence of scams targeting OFWs in Hong Kong.
For full details about the government’s medical voucher scheme, residents are advised to visit the official website: www.hcv.gov.hk/en/index.html.
