Loan apps have become popular in Nigeria. These apps offer quick and convenient access to cash, making them an attractive option for those in need of financial assistance. However, borrowing from loan apps without paying back can have serious consequences. In this article, we will explore the dangers of defaulting on loans from these apps and the methods used by loan apps to recover their funds from defaulters. We will also provide you with valuable tips on how to prevent loan apps from calling your contacts and disgracing you.

The High Stakes of Defaulting on Loan Apps 

When you borrow money from a loan app, it is essential to understand the consequences of defaulting on your payments. Loan apps function as financial institutions and depend on the timely repayment of loans to sustain their business. Failure to repay a loan can result in  adverse consequences which include:

Negative Credit History: Defaulting on a loan from a loan app can have a detrimental impact on your credit history. This can make it more challenging to secure future loans or traditional forms of credit in the future.

Increased Interest Rates: Loan apps may apply high interest rates to borrowers who have defaulted on previous loans. This can lead to a perpetuating cycle of debt and financial instability.

Legal Proceedings: Loan apps have the right to initiate legal action against defaulters. This can result in wage garnishment, asset seizure, or other legal measures to recover the outstanding debt.

Methods Used by Loan Apps to Recover Funds from Defaulters 

Loan apps employ various methods to recover their funds from defaulters. These methods can range from persistent communication to physical harassment. It is crucial to be aware of these tactics to understand the potential risks involved in borrowing from loan apps without repaying:

1. Constant Messages and Harassment Calls

Loan apps often bombard defaulters with constant messages and harassment calls. These messages and calls serve as reminders and pressures to repay the outstanding loan. The frequency and intensity of these communications can be overwhelming and intrusive, causing significant distress to borrowers.

2. Calling Your Contact List to Help Them Recover Their Funds 

In a desperate attempt to recover their funds, loan apps may resort to calling the contact list of defaulters. This method is intended to apply social pressure and shame individuals into repaying their loans. Unfortunately, this can lead to strained relationships and embarrassment for the borrower.

3. Physical Harassment and Beating up Loan Offenders

In extreme cases, some loan apps may employ physical harassment or even resort to violence against loan offenders. These actions are illegal and should not be tolerated. However, it is essential to be aware of the risks involved in dealing with unscrupulous loan apps.

How to Prevent Loan Apps From Calling Your Contacts and Disgracing You 

Protecting yourself from the potential consequences of defaulting on a loan from a loan app is crucial. Here are some tips to prevent loan apps from calling your contacts and disgracing you:

• Read the Terms and Conditions: Before borrowing from a loan app, carefully read and understand the terms and conditions. Pay attention to the repayment terms, interest rates, and penalties for late payment or default.
•  Borrow Responsibly: Only borrow what you can afford to repay. Avoid taking out multiple loans simultaneously or borrowing more than you need. Responsible borrowing can help you avoid the pitfalls of defaulting.
• Communicate Early: If you are facing financial difficulties and anticipate being unable to repay your loan, it is crucial to communicate with the loan app immediately. Many loan apps offer flexible repayment options or extensions for borrowers in genuine need.
• Seek Financial Counseling: If you are struggling with debt, consider seeking professional financial counseling. They can provide guidance and assistance in managing your financial situation and help you develop a plan to repay your loans.
• Report Unethical Practices: If you experience harassment or physical threats from loan apps, report these actions to the appropriate authorities. By reporting such behavior, you can help protect yourself and others from unscrupulous lending practices.

FAQs

Can loan apps access my contact list without my knowledge?

It is essential to understand that the privacy policies and access permissions of loan apps may vary. Some loan apps may request permission to access your contact list to facilitate the repayment process or verify your identity. Unfortunately, this access can sometimes lead to unwanted calls to your contacts. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly review the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any loan app before granting access to your contacts.

How can I prevent loan apps from accessing and misusing my contacts? 

To prevent loan apps from accessing and misusing your contacts, follow these steps:

• Research the app’s privacy policy: Before downloading a loan app, carefully read its privacy policy to ensure that it does not mention accessing or misusing your contacts. If it does, consider using a different app that prioritizes your privacy.
• Review app permissions: When installing a loan app, pay close attention to the permissions it requests. If it asks for access to your contacts without a justifiable reason, reconsider installing the app.
• Use a secondary contact list: Create a separate contact list for loan apps that only contains the necessary information, such as an email address or alternate phone number. This way, even if the app accesses your contacts, it will not have access to your entire address book.
• Opt-out of contact syncing: Additionally, check the app’s settings to see if it provides an option to disable contact syncing. By opting out, you can prevent the loan app from continually syncing and accessing the latest information from your contacts.

What steps can I take if loan apps are calling my contacts?

If you are already facing the issue of loan apps calling your contacts, take the following steps to address the situation:

• Report the issue: Contact the loan app’s customer support and inform them about the unwanted calls to your contacts. Provide them with the necessary details, including the date, time, and phone numbers involved. Most reputable loan apps have dedicated customer support teams that will take the matter seriously and take appropriate action.
• Block and filter calls:  Utilize your smartphone’s built-in call blocking and filtering features to prevent calls from specific numbers associated with loan apps. This will help minimize any further embarrassment caused by unwanted calls reaching your contacts.
•  Remove app permissions:  Go to your device settings, locate the loan app in question, and revoke its access to your contacts. This action will ensure that the app can no longer access your contacts to make any further calls.

Conclusion

Borrowing from loan apps in Nigeria can provide immediate financial relief, but it is essential to understand the repercussions of failing to repay the loans. Defaulting on loans from loan apps can lead to a negative credit history, increased interest rates, and even legal consequences. To prevent loan apps from calling your contacts and disgracing you, it is crucial to borrow responsibly, communicate early with the lender, and seek professional financial advice when needed. By understanding the dangers and taking appropriate precautions, you can protect yourself from the potential pitfalls of borrowing from loan apps in Nigeria.