Online Lending App Harassment Victims Philippines

Online lending app harassment is a serious issue faced by many borrowers in Philippines. Here’s some information and resources to help victims:

Impact of Harassment:

• These tactics can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and even fear.
• Public shaming and threats to damage reputations can be particularly harmful.

Support and Resources:

• Report the App:
  • App Stores: Report the app to the platform you downloaded it from (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) for violating terms of service.
  • Regulatory Bodies: File a complaint with relevant authorities in your area like consumer protection agencies or data privacy commissions.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of harassment attempts for future reference. Include:
  • Dates and times of calls and messages
  • Screenshots of messages
  • Recordings of calls (if legal in your area)
• Seek Help:
  • National Consumer Agencies: These agencies can help you understand your rights and guide you through the complaint process. Some resources by country:
    • Philippines: National Consumer Affairs Council (NCAC) – https://www.dti.gov.ph/about/the-organization/consumer-protection/
    • USA: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ (You can submit a complaint online)
  • Support Groups: Online communities or forums might exist where victims can share experiences and find support from others who have been through similar situations.

Additional Tips:

• Don’t Engage with the Harassers: Don’t respond to their calls or messages. This might encourage further harassment.
• Change Contact Information: If they’re contacting your references, consider changing your phone number or temporarily disabling social media accounts.
• Report Identity Theft: If the app threatens to share your information publicly or uses it to harass your contacts, report it to the authorities.