How to File a Report to FCPC on Fraudulent Loan Apps Harassing You

Loan apps have become a quick source of emergency cash for millions of Nigerians, but while some operate legally, others take advantage of borrowers through harassment, privacy violations, and illegal debt collection tactics. Many people have shared painful experiences of receiving threatening messages, being defamed to family and friends, or forced into unreasonable repayment terms. If you’ve been a victim of such practices, you don’t have to suffer in silence. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) provides a formal avenue to lodge complaints against fraudulent loan apps.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about filing a complaint to the FCCPC, ensuring your rights as a consumer are protected.

Common Harassment Tactics Used by Fraudulent Loan Apps

Before filing a complaint, it’s important to know the behaviors that qualify as harassment and abuse. These include:

• Sending defamatory messages to your contacts
• Publicly shaming you on social media or through bulk SMS
• Applying hidden charges that were not disclosed during loan application
• Extending loans without your consent
• Sending threatening messages that put your safety at risk

If you’ve experienced any of these, you have the right to report the app to the FCCPC.

Step-by-Step Process of Filing a Report to FCCPC

Filing a complaint with FCCPC is free and straightforward. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather Evidence

Collect all evidence related to the harassment. This may include:

• Screenshots of text messages or WhatsApp chats
• Audio recordings of threatening calls
• Bank debit alerts showing hidden charges
• Emails or app notifications with abusive content

This evidence will support your case when submitting your complaint.

Step 2: Prepare Your Complaint

Write a clear complaint detailing:

• Your full name and contact details
• The name of the loan app and, if possible, its operators
• The harassment tactics you experienced
• Dates and times of the incidents
• Any evidence attached to the report

Keep your report factual and avoid exaggeration, as FCCPC acts based on verifiable information.

Step 3: Submit to FCCPC

There are different ways you can file your complaint:

1. Email Submission – Send your complaint and evidence to the FCCPC’s official complaint email: contact@fccpc.gov.ng
2. Online Complaint Portal – Visit the FCCPC official website (www.fccpc.gov.ng) and use the consumer complaint form.
3. Physical Submission – Walk into the FCCPC head office in Abuja or any of their zonal offices across the country to submit your complaint in person.

Step 4: Follow Up

After submission, FCCPC usually sends an acknowledgment. You can follow up on your case by contacting them via email, phone, or in person. Make sure to keep your reference number safe for future tracking.

How FCCPC Handles Your Complaint

Once your complaint is received, FCCPC reviews the details and evidence provided. They may:

• Contact you for clarification or more evidence
• Reach out to the loan app operators directly
• Sanction apps that violate consumer protection laws
• Collaborate with Google Play Store and other platforms to remove fraudulent apps

FCCPC has already taken steps in the past to shut down several illegal digital lending platforms in Nigeria. By filing a complaint, you contribute to ongoing enforcement efforts.

Other Regulatory Agencies You Can Report To

While FCCPC is the primary body, you can also lodge complaints with other agencies if the harassment continues:

• Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) – For financial regulation concerns
• National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) – For data privacy breaches
• Nigerian Police Force – If threats put your safety at risk

Working with multiple agencies increases the chances of quick resolution.

Practical Tips to Protect Yourself from Loan App Harassment

While waiting for regulatory intervention, you can take measures to protect yourself:

• Block the app’s phone numbers to reduce harassment
• Inform your family and friends not to respond to defamatory messages
• Report abusive SMS numbers to your mobile network provider
• Avoid downloading unlicensed loan apps without checking if they are FCCPC-approved

How to Know If a Loan App is Approved by FCCPC

FCCPC publishes a list of approved loan apps on its official website. Before borrowing, verify that the app:

• Has a physical office in Nigeria
• Discloses its interest rates and repayment terms upfront
• Does not require excessive permissions like access to contacts or photo gallery
• Is listed among FCCPC’s registered and approved lenders

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