You’re Not Alone: Understanding Loan App Harassment
The call comes at 11 PM. Then another at midnight. By morning, your phone has 15 missed calls from unknown numbers. Worse still, your cousin messages you: “What’s this loan app saying about you?” Your heart sinks.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely experiencing loan app harassment. Perhaps they’re threatening to call your boss. Maybe they’ve already sent embarrassing messages to your family. Possibly, they’re claiming they’ll arrest you or “destroy your life.”
First, take a deep breath. You can handle this. Moreover, thousands of Nigerians face this situation daily. There are concrete steps you can take right now. This guide will show you exactly what to do.
Understanding the Tactics: What You’re Really Facing
Common Harassment Methods
1. Excessive Calling
- Multiple calls per hour from different numbers
- Calls to you, your references, and random contacts
- Nighttime calls designed to disturb your sleep
- Using voice-over-internet apps to avoid blocking
2. Contact List Invasion
- Mass messages to everyone in your phonebook
- False claims sent to family, friends, and colleagues
- Messages to your employer or professional contacts
- Threatening to “expose you” to more people
3. Defamation Campaigns
- Claims you’re a fraudster or thief
- False allegations of criminal activity
- Photoshopped “wanted” posters with your picture
- Posts on social media groups and pages
4. Psychological Intimidation
- Threats of arrest (which they cannot execute)
- Claims of “sending people” to your house
- Curses and supernatural threats
- Fake legal notices and court summons
5. Digital Stalking
- Repeatedly viewing your WhatsApp status
- Commenting on your social media posts
- Sending messages from multiple platforms
- Creating fake profiles to reach you
Why They Do This
These tactics serve one purpose: to make you so uncomfortable that you pay immediately. They rely on shame, fear, and urgency. Furthermore, they know most people don’t understand their legal rights.
However, here’s what they don’t want you to know: These methods are illegal. Moreover, they often backfire. Many Nigerians reported these apps to authorities precisely because of harassment. Consequently, over 100 predatory apps have been delisted since 2022.
Immediate Actions: What to Do Right Now
Step 1: Stop Panicking (Easier Said Than Done, But Critical)
Panic clouds judgment. Therefore, take these grounding steps:
- Breathe deeply for two minutes. Seriously, it helps.
- Remind yourself: Defaulting on a loan is not a crime in Nigeria.
- Understand: They cannot arrest you. They cannot harm you physically.
- Remember: This situation is temporary and solvable.
You’re dealing with bullies using illegal tactics. Once you understand this, their power diminishes.
Step 2: Document Everything Immediately
Before you do anything else, start collecting evidence. This is crucial for reporting them later.
Create a dedicated folder on your phone:
Screenshots to capture:
- Every threatening message (SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook)
- Defamatory posts they’ve made about you
- Messages sent to your contacts
- Any photoshopped images they’ve created
- Email threats or fake legal notices
Call logs to record:
- Date and time of each call
- Phone number (even if unknown)
- Frequency of calls per day
- Calls made to your contacts
Other documentation:
- Original loan agreement showing terms
- Proof of any payments you’ve already made
- Their official app name and any identifying information
- Names of recovery agents if they’ve identified themselves
Pro tip: Create a Google Drive or cloud folder for these files. If they somehow access your phone again, your evidence remains safe.
Step 3: Immediately Secure Your Digital Life
On your phone (Android):
- Open Settings → Apps
- Find the loan app in your list
- Click Permissions
- Revoke ALL permissions:
- Contacts: Deny
- SMS: Deny
- Phone: Deny
- Storage/Photos: Deny
- Location: Deny
- Camera: Deny
- Microphone: Deny
Additional security measures:
- Change your phone’s security PIN/password immediately
- Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts
- Review recent app downloads for anything suspicious
- Update passwords for email and social media
- Check linked devices on your Google/Apple account
For your bank accounts:
- Block your current debit card through mobile banking or USSD
- Request a new card with different numbers
- Set transaction limits if available
- Enable transaction alerts for all activities
- Review recent transactions for unauthorized debits
Step 4: Respond to the Loan App (Strategically)
Many people either ignore loan apps completely or argue emotionally. Neither approach works. Instead, send a clear, documented message.
Important: Keep a copy of this message. Screenshot the sent confirmation. This proves you attempted resolution before escalating.
Stopping the Harassment: Specific Tactics for Each Method
Handling Excessive Phone Calls
Immediate solutions:
1. Use True Caller or similar apps:
- Download True Caller from Play Store
- Enable spam detection
- Block numbers identified as loan apps
- Report numbers as spam (helps others too)
2. Enable Do Not Disturb selectively:
- Create a contacts group for important people
- Set “Priority Only” mode to allow only that group
- Loan app calls won’t disturb you, but family can reach you
3. Document call patterns:
- Note if calls exceed two per day
- Record calls between 9 PM and 7 AM (these violate regulations)
- Track calls to your contacts (illegal)
4. Consider temporary number change:
- If harassment is severe, some networks allow temporary number suspension
- Get a new SIM for critical contacts while dealing with the issue
- Don’t share new number until situation resolves
When they call:
- Don’t argue or get emotional, this encourages them
- State calmly: “All communication must be in writing.”
- End the call
- Block the number
- Document the interaction
Protecting Your Contacts from Harassment
This is often the most distressing aspect. Here’s what to do:
Immediate damage control:
1. Send a message to close contacts
2. Post a general status (if comfortable)
3. For professional contacts (if they’re contacted) send a brief explanatory message.
Prevention for future contacts:
- Never give actual references when apps ask. Use alternative numbers or secondary contacts.
- Alternatively, inform people you listed them as a reference (with permission).
Reporting: Making Them Face Consequences
Reporting isn’t just about your situation. It protects countless others from the same abuse.
How to Report to FCCPC (Step-by-Step)
Method 1: Email
- Send to: lenderstaskforce@fccpc.gov.ng
- Subject line: “Complaint Against [Loan App Name] for Harassment and Consumer Rights Violations”
- Email body should include: A detailed breakdown of the harassment you have faced from the specific loan app.
- Attach all evidence (zip files if too many screenshots)
- Send the email
- Save a copy of your sent message
Method 2: Website
- Visit: fccpc.gov.ng
- Find: “File a Complaint” section (usually in menu)
- Fill the online form with similar information as above
- Upload evidence files
- Submit
- Save the confirmation/reference number
Follow-up:
- FCCPC typically acknowledges complaints within 3-5 business days
- If no response after one week, send a follow-up email
- Reference your original complaint date in the follow-up
- Remain patient but persistent
Method 3: Reporting Data Privacy Violations to NDPC
If the loan app violated your data privacy specifically:
- Visit: ndpc.gov.ng
- Look for complaints or violations reporting section
- File a complaint detailing:
- Unauthorized access to contacts/photos
- Sharing your data without consent
- Misuse of personal information
- Attach evidence of these specific violations
Reporting Unauthorized Bank Debits
If they’re deducting money without authorization:
Step 1: Contact your bank immediately:
- Call the customer service number on your card
- Explain: “I’m experiencing unauthorized debits from [loan app name]”
- Request: Investigation and reversal of unauthorized transactions
- Ask them to: Block further debits from that source
Step 2: File formal complaint with your bank:
- Visit your branch with evidence of unauthorized debits
- Write a formal letter detailing the issue
- Request: Investigation under CBN consumer protection framework
- Ask for: Written response within their stipulated timeframe
Step 3: Escalate to CBN if necessary:
If your bank doesn’t resolve it:
- Email: cpd@cbn.gov.ng (Consumer Protection Department)
- Include: Your bank’s name, account details, and their response (or lack thereof)
Creating a Repayment Strategy That Protects You
While fighting harassment, you still need to address the debt. Here’s how to do it on your terms:
Assess Your True Financial Situation
- Calculate total income: All sources monthly
- List essential expenses: Rent, food, transport, utilities
- Determine disposable amount: What’s realistically available for debt
Document Everything About the Repayment
- Get written confirmation of any agreement
- Make payments through traceable methods (bank transfer, not cash)
- Keep all receipts and transaction confirmations
- Screenshot conversations about the arrangement
What If They Reject Your Offer?
If they refuse reasonable repayment:
- Continue documenting their refusal
- Keep the money aside that you offered
- Report to FCCPC that you attempted good-faith negotiation
- Consider legal mediation through consumer protection channels
Sometimes, predatory lenders prefer harassment over resolution. Their refusal of reasonable offers strengthens your case against them.
Conclusion: You Have the Power to Stop This
Loan app harassment feels overwhelming. However, you now have a complete action plan:
Every day, Nigerians like you fight back against predatory lenders. Moreover, every report strengthens the case for stricter enforcement. Your actions matter. Furthermore, they protect not just you, but countless others.
You’re not powerless. The law is on your side. Help is available. Take it one step at a time.
Ready to take control of your financial future and build better credit? Download PebbleScore from Google Play Store or Apple App Store today. Access your credit report, dispute errors, repair credit damage, and connect with ethical lenders who respect your dignity.
Remember: You deserve respect. You deserve privacy. You deserve fair treatment. Always.