Loan app harassment can be a serious and distressing issue. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to stop it in the Philippines:
1. Document Everything
- Screenshots: Take screenshots of harassing messages, emails, social media posts, or any other communication.
- Call logs: Keep detailed logs of harassing phone calls, including dates, times, duration, and the phone number used.
- Notes: Record any other relevant details, such as names of individuals involved and specific threats made.
2. Stop Interacting and Secure Your Data
- Don’t engage: Stop responding to harassing messages or calls. Any response encourages them.
- Don’t pay: Don’t make any payments under threats or pressure.
- Change passwords: Secure your social media accounts and email, especially if the harassment involves them.
- Warn your contacts: Inform friends and family on your contact list that they may be targeted by the loan app.
3. Report to Authorities
- National Privacy Commission (NPC): File a complaint if the harassment involves threats, blackmail, misuse of private information, or the lender contacting people in your contact list. Visit their website (https://www.privacy.gov.ph/) or email info@privacy.gov.ph
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Report any SEC-registered online lending company engaging in harassment on their website (https://www.sec.gov.ph/) or use their online complaint form.
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP): File a complaint if a bank or financial institution supervised by the BSP is involved (https://www.bsp.gov.ph/).
- Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG): Contact them if the harassment involves severe threats or criminal activities. Visit their website (http://www.pnpacg.ph/) or email pnp.acg@gmail.com
4. Know Your Rights
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: Lenders are prohibited from using threats, coercion, or abusive language.
- Data Privacy Act: Lenders cannot publicly disclose your debt or contact people outside your emergency contacts list.
Leave a Reply