Worried about loan app harassment? Here’s what to do if a loan app threatens to contact your friends or misuse your contacts. Stay safe & informed.
You needed a loan in an emergency. The app approved it in 15 minutes. But now, you’re receiving threatening calls and messages. Worse, the agent says they’ll contact your friends and family if you don’t repay immediately. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone — and you’re not powerless.
In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience with harassment from shady loan apps and what you can do legally, smartly, and safely.
🚨 Why Do Some Loan Apps Threaten You?
Unfortunately, many loan apps — especially those not registered with the RBI — use fear-based tactics to push repayments.
In my case, an agent called me a week before the due date and claimed the “due date” showing in the app was a technical error. He told me to repay the same day or else…
He then sent me a screenshot of my contact list — and threatened to call them.
These are predatory practices and are illegal in India.
⚖️ Is It Legal for Loan Apps to Contact Your Friends?
Short answer: No.
This behavior violates:
- Your right to privacy
- RBI’s Fair Practices Code
- Indian Penal Code sections 384, 503, and 507 (relating to criminal intimidation and blackmail)
Any app asking for access to your contacts — and then using that data for intimidation — is acting illegally.
🛑 What to Do If You’re Being Harassed
Here’s a step-by-step list to protect yourself:
- Do NOT panic. Stay calm — fear is what they want.
- Block abusive callers. Use your phone’s call-blocking options.
- Don’t share more personal info or photos/documents.
- Take screenshots of:
- Threatening messages
- Caller numbers
- WhatsApp chats (if any)
- Report the abuse immediately:
- Cyber Crime Portal
- RBI Sachet: https://sachet.rbi.org.in
- Local police station
Even if you’re late on payments — you still have rights.
✅ Safer Loan Apps That Don’t Harass
Not all apps are bad. Based on my experience, these are more professional and RBI-registered:
- KreditBee – Usually respectful; sometimes offer promo waivers.
- Fibe (formerly EarlySalary) – Structured follow-ups, no contact misuse.
- Nira, CASHe, PaySense – Standard recovery practices.
👉 Related: KreditBee vs Fibe – Which Loan App is Better?
🔐 How to Avoid This Situation in the Future
- Only download loan apps from Google Play Store
- Check whether the app is linked to an RBI-registered NBFC
- Never allow access to contacts, camera, or gallery if not required
- Pay loans back in time or communicate delays professionally
Conclusion
Loan apps should help, not harass. If you’ve faced abusive behavior, know that it’s not your fault. Report, block, and spread awareness.
You can also explore genuine loan apps, compare options, and make safer borrowing decisions at GetLoanCredit.com.