In this article, we will examine the present state of online lending harassment Philippines and the government’s response to the issue. We’ll also discuss some strategies for safeguarding yourself from these kinds of actions.
Online Lending Harassment in the Philippines: A Growing Problem in 2022
Debt shaming on the internet has been around for a long time. The use of cashwagon cash loan may lead to cyberbullying and other negative outcomes, such as increased difficulties in obtaining loans.
When borrowers are unable to make their loan repayments on time, the lending institutions and businesses behind these programs will harass them in a number of different ways.
Borrowers most often report being subjected to verbal abuse, including cursing. Lenders who have not been paid will be subjected to verbal and physical abuse, including threats, insults, and other forms of humiliating words.
There has been a spate of reports from borrowers describing a series of phone calls and texts in which they were asked politely, in a calm voice, to repay the amount at issue. If the debt is not paid, however, this swiftly gives way to blackmail, intimidation, and warnings.
When people get into financial difficulties and are unable to repay their debts, they may resort to desperate measures to avoid default. Later, the lending company would begin to threaten and harass the borrower’s friends and family.
These are the people about whom the borrower is doing background checks or providing contact information in order to qualify for a loan.
The confusion and pain caused by the lender’s actions, as well as the fear they instill in others around them, have made an already difficult situation much more so.
When debt collectors threaten their victims with physical force, the situation has escalated to the level of a major crime.
Black credit institutions, which work as an underground centralized bank, would often be responsible for this instance. These organizations would resort to extreme measures to recover a debt, including physical and psychological abuse, coercion, and even property theft.
They take it very seriously and do things like dump dirt and broken concrete in front of the home, put out funeral wreaths, and hang the severed heads of animals over the entrances. A big crowd is assembled, and the debtors’ houses or places of business are vandalized with obscene writing and fresh blood.
Such conduct endangers the safety of others and may lead to criminal prosecution.
If you need a loan and are considering doing it online, you should only deal with reputable establishments that have been approved by the appropriate authorities in your state.
Whenever a borrower applies for a loan online, the lending company will often require the consumer to download and install a tracking and repayment program.
Credit agencies may have access to sensitive information including a user’s contacts, images, and messages if they are installed on a device without the owner’s knowledge.
To further their debt collection efforts, some people use social media to spread incorrect or inaccurate information or even to fabricate tales about others, which may have serious consequences for the victim’s ability to function in society.
As indicated previously, the public is now angry, and online loan Pilipinas harassment cases tend to be complex. When trying to get their money back, moneylenders will use whatever means necessary, including putting the debtor’s loved ones under undue stress.
When Does It Occur and Why?
Harassment in the realm of internet lending is often the result of borrowers’ failing to make timely repayments, which is a predictable outcome. As a result of the pandemic, many individuals have lost their employment and are unable to make their monthly payments on time.
In contrast to brick-and-mortar banks, internet lenders don’t give borrowers much leeway before demanding prompt repayment, regardless of the circumstances. With enough pressure, they know you’ll give up.
Moreover, there are too many fraudsters that are ready to steal your data since they understand the financial worth of your private information.
Problems might arise, for instance, if a thief uses your personal data to get financing in your name.
Consequently, you have to shoulder the responsibility of paying bills that aren’t yours or cope with debt that seemingly appears out of nowhere. As a result, you should exercise extreme caution in transacting business with any online lender.
Having Government Agencies Get Involved
The Philippine government has implemented measures to protect its citizens from violence and abuse.
The Department of Justice advises anyone who has had their personal information improperly utilized in connection with a loan collection to file a complaint with the National Privacy Commission.
As an additional option, you may report infractions of cyber security laws to the following agencies:
Government agencies must fulfill their responsibilities by preventing illicit borrowing, investigating allegations of wrongdoing, and deploying necessary services.
Each individual should exercise due diligence before deciding to use these offerings. The use of lawful techniques, rather than illicit ones, may help people avoid unfavorable financial consequences.
Summing Up
Many of you may have some new insights after reading this blog. The effects of internet lending harassment on borrowers and the government’s response to this issue are discussed in this article.