Welcome, Today we’ll talk about What to do when Loans Apps Send Messages to Your Contacts and Still Threaten You and Them.
Online loan apps sending messages or calling contacts for recovery is an unethical practice. If you are facing harassment from loan apps even after messaging contacts, urgent action is required to protect yourself and contacts from undue threats and embarrassment.
This comprehensive guide covers constructive strategies on what to do if loan apps continue threatening you and your contacts via calls or messages despite repayment delays. We also provide tips to prevent recurrence and answers to frequently asked questions.
Firmly Inform Apps to Stop Contacting Anyone
First, clearly tell the lending company:
- To immediately stop calling or messaging your contacts
- That you will handle repayment directly with them
- Not to involve any third party in collection efforts
- That contacting contacts without consent is illegal
Record all communication for evidence.
Report Harassment to Relevant Authorities
Escalate unethical recovery conduct to concerned authorities:
- Complain to the RBI Ombudsman about the concerned NBFC
- Lodge police complaints regarding harassment
- Report on National Human Rights Commission portal
- Update grievances to banking ombudsman if linked to a bank
Prompt action can deter further harassment.
File Complaints on Consumer Redressal Forums
Seeking help from consumer forums is recommended:
- File detailed complaints on National/State consumer helplines
- Highlight unethical recovery practices employed
- Produce evidence of any threats or abuse
- Engage a lawyer to send legal notice to the lender
- Consider small claims court filing for damages
Consumer courts can help resolve issues and penalize violations.
Post Public Reviews to Warn Others
Forewarn potential borrowers considering the same apps:
- Post detailed reviews on their App/Play store listing
- Highlight contact harassment faced during loan recovery
- Name specific customer service persons unresponsive to complaints
- Give 1-star ratings so others are alerted
Negative publicity can compel app developers to respond.
Disable App Access and Delete Your Data
Limit app access to phone resources:
- Revoke permissions given to the lending app
- Disable access to contacts, messages, call logs
- Check and limit data sharing with other apps
- Delete account entirely and request data removal
This restricts their ability to contact anyone without consent.
Communicate with Contacts Apologizing for the Situation
Speak to any contacts who may have been called or messaged already:
- Apologize personally for the inconvenience caused
- Explain you did not voluntarily share their data
- Request them to ignore further contacts and not engage
- Assure them it won’t be repeated
- Tell them to report to authorities if they face further harassment
Being transparent can help manage relationships.
Strengthen Phone Privacy and Security
Bolster phone security to prevent unauthorized data access:
- Install trusted antivirus and malware apps
- Enable multi-factor or biometric authentication
- Frequently update your device OS for patches
- Use password manager apps to generate strong passwords
- Backup data securely and wipe device if needed
Enhanced security reduces future data misuse risks.
FAQs on What to do when Loans Apps Send Messages to Your Contacts and Still Threaten You and Them
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about loan apps contacting contacts:
1. What should you do if a loan app calls your friend about your loan?
Apologize to your friend, pay off the loan immediately, report the incident to authorities, and get the lender to apologize.
2. How to stop loan apps from messaging or calling contacts?
Revoke contact permissions, complain to authorities, post negative reviews, delete your account data, turn off app access, and strengthen phone privacy.
3. Is it legal for loan apps to message your contacts in Nigeria?
No, it is illegal for loan apps to message contacts without their consent as per debt collection regulations.
4. What can you do if loan apps threaten you over the phone?
Record the calls, report to police, inform authorities, complain to consumer forums, send legal notice, and publicize such unethical practices.
5. How can I delete my data from loan apps in Nigeria?
Revoke app permissions, request deletion of personal data under privacy rights, clear cache/data and uninstall the app completely.
6. What should I do if loan app agents keep calling my contacts?
Firmly warn them to stop immediately, report to authorities, submit written complaints, explore legal options and file police complaints if it persists.
7. Can I sue a loan app for messaging my contacts illegally?
Yes, you can sue the lender for harassment, privacy infringement and causing emotional distress with help of a lawyer.
8. How to prevent loan apps from accessing my contacts?
Avoid granting access permissions, review and revoke if given already. Use app locks, limit sharing, and strengthen phone privacy.
9. What can loan apps do with your contact information?
They can message or call contacts for recovery without consent, misuse data for marketing, sell info to third parties, or enable phishing attempts.
10. Where can I report if loan apps are threatening me?
You can report to RBI, banking ombudsman, police cybercrime cells, consumer courts, National Human Rights Commission.
11. Are there any penalties for loan apps messaging contacts illegally?
Yes, apps can face fines, licensing cancellation, blacklisting, civil suits and criminal cases for unethical recovery practices based on existing regulations.
12. Can I change my contact number if loan apps harass my contacts?
You can change numbers and avoid sharing new number if facing harassment. But firstly inform contacts, settle dues, and complain to authorities.
13. What details can I hide from loan apps to protect contacts?
Avoid sharing contact details, call logs, phonebook, location, gallery, social media logins, email IDs etc. not required for lending purposes.
14. How can I safeguard my contacts from loan app access?
Backup securely online, use device locks, review app permissions periodically, turn off contact sync, avoid storing details in lending apps.
15. Can loan apps directly access all my contacts without permission?
No, apps need explicit user permission to access contact data which should be denied for privacy protection.
16. What are the risks of loan apps accessing contacts in Nigeria?
Key risks are embarrassment, strained relationships, privacy violations, harassment, misuse of data for marketing etc.
17. Can I complain to CBN about loan apps messaging my contacts?
Yes, you can complain to CBN for investigation and action against apps involved in unethical practices.
18. How can I permanently delete my data from loan apps?
Apart from uninstalling app and revoking permissions, write to company requesting permanent deletion as per data privacy rights. Maintain records of request.
19. What details should I avoid sharing with loan apps?
Avoid sharing contact lists, social media logins, gallery access, call logs etc. unless mandatory for loan purposes to prevent misuse.
20. Can loan apps be held legally liable for contact harassment?
Yes, apps and their employees can face civil or criminal liability for contact harassment as per privacy and debt recovery regulations.
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Conclusion
Firm intervention is required if loan apps persist with unethical contact harassment despite requests. Recording evidence, complaining to authorities, negative publicity and exploring legal options can help address such issues. Contacts also need assurance and protection from any threats or embarrassment. With proactive measures, borrowers can safeguard themselves and their network against loan app harassment.
After reading this article now you know What to do when Loans Apps Send Messages to Your Contacts and Still Threaten You and Them.
