The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has provided Nigerians with a detailed guide on how to report loan apps that engage in harassment, particularly after loan repayment failures.
Online loan have become a popular choice for many Nigerians seeking quick financial relief.
However, some lenders resort to aggressive tactics, including sending embarrassing messages — sometimes with personal photos — to the borrowers’ contacts when repayments are delayed.
These actions have led to significant distress, with victims losing jobs and facing public humiliation.
In April 2024, BBC Pidgin reported that this practice had led to serious problems, with some victims even losing their jobs due to public shame and humiliation.
In May 2024, FCCPC said it was taking steps to block loan apps engaging in such harassment.
In response to growing concerns, the FCCPC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights.
Chronicle NG reported that the commission encourages Nigerians to report any instances of harassment from loan apps.
“Are you being harassed by loan apps or unfair businesses?
“No consumer should live in fear! The FCCPC is here for you, ensuring your rights are protected and businesses play fair,” the statement on X partly reads.
HOW TO REPORT HARASSING LOAN APPS:
To report on the commission’s website, log on to FCCPC website
- Click on Menu.
- Click on File a Complaint.
- Enter Date, Name (in Complaint Reported By), Contact Address, Mobile Number, Email.
- Enter the name of loan app in ‘Complaint reported Against’, the Contact Address of Loan Apps, Phone Numbers, Email.
- In ‘Cost of Purchase’, enter the loan amount.
- Then enter the Receipt Number (of Product/Service) Account Number/ Meter Number (Where Applicable).
- Enter Warranty details if relevant.
- Briefly state your complaint in the designated box.
- In the Prayers section, specify your request for redress.
- There is also an option to “Upload Files (Files to be uploaded should be saved with the same name you filled in the ”complaint reported by” section otherwise, it wouldn’t be attended to).”
- You can then submit.
