Debt collectors visit over 40 homes during Chinese New Year, even upload process on Facebook

Debt solicitors visited over 40 households between Chinese New Year’s Eve (Feb 15) and the second day of the festival (Feb 17), even uploading the collection process onto Facebook.

Shin Min Daily News later contacted the company which the solicitors belonged to and discovered that the boss was renowned getai singer, Ms Chen Xiao Xin. 

Ms Chen, also known as the petite sakura (小樱花) by her fans, told reporters that she and a friend had set up the company together.

The debtors were usually not home, and the company had to resort to visiting them over Chinese New Year, as there was a larger probability of them being around. 

She said: “We have records of the debtors’ documents. Although many still refused to open their doors when we visited, it was still better than the normal days.”

Ms Chen’s partner, Mr Zhuo Wei Zhong, 37, revealed that since the company first started in August 2017, it has received more than 200 cases. 

He added: “Some debtors blame their siblings for the debts, and even call the police.”

Mr Zhou said that the company has records of the debtors’ personal information.

Even if debtors are not at home, the company will inform their family members about the situation. 

“Actually we only officially start working again on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, but the workers came to help out.”

Some members of the public expressed concerns that debtors showing up over Chinese New Year could lead to bad luck. 

Mr Chen, a 47-year-old taxi driver, said that most debtors would settle their outstanding debts before the Chinese New Year due to the superstitious belief that owing a debt over the year was inauspicious. 

Another member of the public, Ms Lin, 28, said that if debt collectors show up during the festive season, she would be worried about bad luck for the entire year.

With regard to their concerns, Mr Zhuo replied that some debtors take the initiative to clear their debts before the Chinese New Year, to prevent solicitors from showing up at their doorsteps during the festive season.