Here’s a consolidated action plan for dealing with 7-day loan app harassment in the Philippines. It’s crucial to act quickly and assertively:
1. Cut Off Communication & Protect Yourself
- Don’t Engage: Stop answering calls, texts, or emails. Any response will fuel the harassment.
- Don’t Pay: Refuse to give in to threats, as payment often leads to more demands.
- Secure Your Data:
- Change Passwords: Update passwords for sensitive accounts (social media, email, banking).
- Check Permissions: Go to your phone settings and revoke unnecessary app permissions.
- Warn Your Contacts: Alert friends and family that they might be targeted for harassment by the loan app.
2. Document Everything
- Screenshots & Recordings: Capture all harassing messages, emails, and call logs (with dates and times). Record threatening calls if possible and safe to do so.
- Detailed Notes: Write down everything relevant: the app’s name, contact details used, specific threats, etc.
3. Report to the Authorities
- National Privacy Commission (NPC): This is your first priority. They handle data abuse and illegal debt collection. File a thorough complaint: https://www.privacy.gov.ph/ or info@privacy.gov.ph
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): If the app is SEC-registered, report them for abusive practices: https://www.sec.gov.ph/
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP): If a bank or financial institution is involved, file a complaint: https://www.bsp.gov.ph/
- Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG): Contact them for severe threats or potential criminal activity: http://www.pnpacg.ph/ or pnp.acg@gmail.com
4. Know Your Rights
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: Lenders can’t use threats, harassment, or abusive language.
- Data Privacy Act: They cannot publicly disclose your debt or contact people outside your emergency contacts list.
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