Loan app harassment
Loan app harassment in Nigeria: what you can do
Loan app harassment in Nigeria, such as threats, insults or messages to your contacts, can be reported to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which regulates digital lenders and takes complaints about harassment and the misuse of your contacts and data.
What to do now
Owing money does not give anyone the right to threaten you or message your contacts. A lawyer will explain your position when you send your request; in the meantime:
- Keep every screenshot, call log and message. Note the date, the number and what was said.
- Do not send money to anyone who contacts you out of the blue claiming to be a debt collector until you have checked who they are.
- Tell contacts who were called that you are dealing with it; the form below gives you a short message you can send them.
- Report the lender to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC); we can file the complaint for you with your evidence organised.
Keep every message, call log and screenshot. Do not delete anything. Read our article on loan app harassment.
This is general information, not legal advice.
If you feel unsafe right now, go to I need help now.
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Questions about loan app harassment
How do I report a loan app to the FCCPC?
You can complain to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) through the complaint channels on its official website. Give the name of the app and the lender, your loan details, and screenshots of the messages and call logs. Keep a copy of everything you send. We can prepare and file the complaint for you with your evidence organised.
Is it legal for a loan app to message my contacts?
The FCCPC's rules for digital lenders prohibit debt collection by harassment, threats or shaming, including messaging people in your phone book to embarrass you. Using your contacts and photos this way may also breach the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
Do I still have to repay the loan?
If you borrowed the money, the debt is still owed, but the lender must collect it lawfully. Harassment does not cancel the loan, and owing money does not take away your rights. A lawyer can tell you what you lawfully owe under the loan terms and how to pay it safely.
Where can I report misuse of my personal data?
Misuse of your personal data, such as sharing your photo or details with your contacts, can be reported to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). An FCCPC complaint and an NDPC complaint can run side by side.
Can a loan app have me arrested for not paying?
Failing to repay a loan is generally a civil matter, not a crime, so it is not on its own a reason for arrest. Threats of arrest or police action used to frighten you into paying are a form of harassment you can report. If the police do contact you, speak to a lawyer.
Owed money yourself? See our debt recovery lawyer in Abuja page.
This is general information, not legal advice.