BLOG
Published on 24 Nov 2025 by Anna E.
Hiring a domestic helper is an important decision that affects your home, your family’s safety, and your long-term peace of mind. But in today’s digital age, where recruitment happens both offline and online, employers face a growing threat: unlicensed maid agencies and unverified hiring platforms disguising themselves as legitimate services.
These operators often advertise aggressively on social media or offer extremely low fees and “fast approval” promises to lure employers. Unfortunately, many households only discover the truth when problems surface, the helper never arrives, documentation turns out to be fake, or the agency becomes unreachable after collecting payment.
To avoid these risks, it’s critical for employers to ensure that both the agency and the hiring platform are properly licensed, reputable, and transparent.
The risks of using unlicensed agencies or unverified platforms
1. No legal protection
Unlicensed operators are not bound by employment regulations. If something goes wrong, you may have no contract, no refund, and no official recourse.
2. Invalid or forged documents
Helpers recruited through unlicensed channels may carry improper or fake documentation, exposing employers to immigration violations.
3. Unethical or illegal recruitment practices
Without regulatory oversight, some agencies may overcharge helpers, misrepresent job details, or engage in human trafficking–related activities.
4. Lack of accountability
Unlicensed agencies and unknown online platforms can disappear easily after payment, leaving employers without support or replacements.
How employers can protect themselves
Whether you’re hiring through a traditional agency like Ministry of Domestic Helpers or a digital platform like Ministry of Helpers, take these essential steps:
1. Verify agency licensing
- Ask for the agency’s license number
- Confirm it with official authorities (e.g., the Department of Labour / relevant government body)
2. Check platform credibility
A trustworthy hiring platform should:
- Partner only with licensed maid agencies
- Provide full transparency on fees and processes
- Offer secure payment channels
- Have an actual business registration and local support team
- Display verified helper profiles and clear documentation requirements
3. Demand clear contracts
Make sure all fees, responsibilities, replacement terms, and employment conditions are documented.
4. Avoid suspicious payment methods
Be cautious if asked to pay:
- Via personal bank accounts
- In cash
- Through untraceable methods
- These are major red flags for fraudulent operators.
5. Do your research
Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and check the agency or platform’s track record.
Hiring a domestic helper should be a smooth and secure experience, not one filled with uncertainty or risk. By choosing licensed agencies and verified hiring platforms, employers can protect their homes, their finances, and the well-being of their future helper.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify who you’re dealing with can make all the difference.
You might be interested in:
Why Enhanced Medical Insurance Is a Game-Changer for Employers of Domestic Helpers
How to Do a Thorough Background Check on Your Potential Helper
How to Set Safe Household Chores Boundaries for Your Helper
How to Manage Night Duties for Helpers Caring for Babies or Toddlers
Why Hiring a Filipino Helper in Singapore Is a Smart Choice for Modern Households
Hiring a domestic helper is an important decision that affects your home, your family’s safety, and your long-term peace of mind. But in today’s digital age, where recruitment happens both offline and online, employers face a growing threat: unlicensed maid agencies and unverified hiring platforms disguising themselves as legitimate services.
These operators often advertise aggressively on social media or offer extremely low fees and “fast approval” promises to lure employers. Unfortunately, many households only discover the truth when problems surface, the helper never arrives, documentation turns out to be fake, or the agency becomes unreachable after collecting payment.
To avoid these risks, it’s critical for employers to ensure that both the agency and the hiring platform are properly licensed, reputable, and transparent.
The risks of using unlicensed agencies or unverified platforms
1. No legal protection
Unlicensed operators are not bound by employment regulations. If something goes wrong, you may have no contract, no refund, and no official recourse.
2. Invalid or forged documents
Helpers recruited through unlicensed channels may carry improper or fake documentation, exposing employers to immigration violations.
3. Unethical or illegal recruitment practices
Without regulatory oversight, some agencies may overcharge helpers, misrepresent job details, or engage in human trafficking–related activities.
4. Lack of accountability
Unlicensed agencies and unknown online platforms can disappear easily after payment, leaving employers without support or replacements.
How employers can protect themselves
Whether you’re hiring through a traditional agency like Ministry of Domestic Helpers or a digital platform like Ministry of Helpers, take these essential steps:
1. Verify agency licensing
- Ask for the agency’s license number
- Confirm it with official authorities (e.g., the Department of Labour / relevant government body)
2. Check platform credibility
A trustworthy hiring platform should:
- Partner only with licensed maid agencies
- Provide full transparency on fees and processes
- Offer secure payment channels
- Have an actual business registration and local support team
- Display verified helper profiles and clear documentation requirements
3. Demand clear contracts
Make sure all fees, responsibilities, replacement terms, and employment conditions are documented.
4. Avoid suspicious payment methods
Be cautious if asked to pay:
- Via personal bank accounts
- In cash
- Through untraceable methods
- These are major red flags for fraudulent operators.
5. Do your research
Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and check the agency or platform’s track record.
Hiring a domestic helper should be a smooth and secure experience, not one filled with uncertainty or risk. By choosing licensed agencies and verified hiring platforms, employers can protect their homes, their finances, and the well-being of their future helper.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify who you’re dealing with can make all the difference.
You might be interested in:
Why Enhanced Medical Insurance Is a Game-Changer for Employers of Domestic Helpers
How to Do a Thorough Background Check on Your Potential Helper
How to Set Safe Household Chores Boundaries for Your Helper
How to Manage Night Duties for Helpers Caring for Babies or Toddlers
Why Hiring a Filipino Helper in Singapore Is a Smart Choice for Modern Households