The money lender is asking to keep my passport as security. Is this allowed?

The following cannot be taken as security for a loan:

• HKID card;

• passport;

• national ID card;

• bank savings or account book; or

• photographs of you, your guarantor or your family.

No one is allowed to keep your passport except for you and the authorities. If you have given any of these items as security/collateral, ask the money lender to return them immediately. If they refuse, contact the Hong Kong Police (999) and your consulate.

You can call the Indonesian Consulate at +852 6773 0466 or the Philippine Consulate at +852 9155 4023.