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How to Stop Harassment from Loan Apps in Nigeria

Loan apps have become a lifeline for many Nigerians who need quick money for emergencies. But alongside the convenience, countless borrowers have had to endure something far worse: harassment from loan apps. From endless calls, threats, and shaming messages sent to friends and family, the experience can leave anyone frustrated, embarrassed, and mentally drained.

If you’ve ever borrowed from one of these apps, you probably already know the fear that comes when you miss repayment by just a few days. But here’s the truth: harassment can be stopped, or at least reduced drastically, if you know the right steps to take. This article explains practical ways to protect yourself, safeguard your mental health, and fight back against harassment from loan apps.

1. Take Loans from Licensed Loan Apps Only

The first step in protecting yourself is to borrow from reputable and licensed loan apps. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has a list of approved lenders like Carbon, Branch, FairMoney, and Renmoney. These platforms operate with regulated policies and are less likely to harass you the way unlicensed apps do. The mistake most people make is rushing to collect money from fraudulent apps that only focus on shaming their borrowers instead of offering real solutions.

2. Read Reviews Before Borrowing

Before downloading any loan app, check reviews on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and social media platforms. Many loan defaulters openly share their experiences online. Reading those stories gives you a clear picture of how the app treats borrowers who are unable to repay on time. Avoid apps with repeated complaints about harassment and stick to platforms that maintain professionalism.

3. Join Support Groups

Support groups can be very helpful in dealing with harassment. Groups like Say No to Loan App Harassment exist on Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp, where borrowers share experiences and provide advice on how to manage the situation. I personally owe more than ten loan apps, but joining support groups has kept me mentally stable. Talking to people going through the same thing makes you realize that harassment does not define you, and you can fight back strategically.

4. Stop Worrying About Your Contacts

Most loan apps threaten borrowers by saying they will send shameful messages to their contacts. The truth is, your contacts don’t care about you as much as you think. This is just a tactic to scare you into paying. The less you worry about what people think, the better you will be able to handle the harassment calmly. Remember, harassment is designed to exploit fear. Once you take that fear away, their power over you reduces.

5. Move Your Contacts to Gmail or Cloud

A smart strategy is to move all your contacts to Gmail or cloud storage, then delete them from your phone before installing loan apps. Leave only irrelevant numbers on your device so that even if the loan app tries to access your phonebook, they will find nothing useful. This one move alone can save you from countless embarrassing situations.

6. Delete the Loan App After Taking the Loan

After borrowing money, delete the app from your phone until you’re ready to repay. This prevents them from spamming you with calls, messages, and unnecessary updates. Once you’re prepared to make repayment, reinstall the app and clear your debt. Many borrowers use this trick to stay focused and reduce harassment.

7. Use Truecaller to Block Harassing Calls

Truecaller is a lifesaver when it comes to blocking spam numbers. Loan apps often use multiple numbers to disturb borrowers, but with Truecaller, you can identify and block them instantly. This protects your peace of mind and allows you to use your phone without unnecessary distractions.

8. Deactivate Your SIM or Use Call Forwarding

If harassment becomes unbearable, deactivate the SIM card you used to register on the loan app. You can also use call forwarding or a temporary SIM until things cool down. Some borrowers even buy cheap SIM cards solely for loan apps, so their main line remains private.

9. Don’t Reply to Their Messages or Calls

Loan apps feed on fear. The more you respond to their threats, the more they intensify the harassment. Refuse to give them that satisfaction. Do not reply to their calls, text messages, or WhatsApp threats. Silence is your strongest weapon because it shows you are not intimidated.

10. Block Them on All Platforms

From WhatsApp to Facebook Messenger, loan apps use every channel possible to reach you. Block them everywhere to protect your mental health. Once they realize they can’t get through to you, they eventually stop wasting their energy.

11. Avoid Using Friends and Family Numbers as Guarantors

Never register with phone numbers belonging to your family or friends. Use an alternate number instead. By doing so, even if the app decides to call or shame your contacts, they won’t connect it back to you. This reduces the embarrassment borrowers usually face.

12. If Threatened with Lawsuits, Fight Back

Loan apps sometimes threaten borrowers with lawsuits, but most of these threats are fake. If they send such messages, reply that your lawyer will be in touch with them. Most illegal loan apps operate outside the law and will back off once they realize you know your rights.

13. Avoid 7-Day Loan Apps

Short-term loan apps that give only 7 days to repay are designed to trap you. They create unrealistic repayment schedules that increase the chances of default and harassment. Stick to platforms that offer longer repayment periods, preferably 30 days or more.

14. Use an Alternate Phone Number

Consider using an alternate number when signing up on loan apps. This way, even if they send defamatory messages or spam calls, your main contacts won’t be affected. Keeping your personal and loan-related numbers separate protects your reputation.

15. Report Harassment to FCCPC

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in Nigeria has been clamping down on illegal loan apps. If you are harassed, take screenshots of their messages, record calls, and report them through the FCCPC’s official website or email. Many apps have already been banned because of borrower complaints.

16. Seek Legal Assistance

If harassment becomes extreme, speak to a lawyer. Many human rights organizations in Nigeria offer free or affordable legal services. Legal letters sent to these apps often scare them into backing down, since they know they’re operating outside the law.

17. Protect Your Mental Health

Beyond the legal and technical strategies, you must protect your mind. Harassment from loan apps can cause anxiety and depression. Practice self-care, talk to supportive friends, and remember that harassment is a reflection of their bad practices, not your worth as a person.