Reporting Unlicensed Loan Apps and Lenders
Unlicensed and abusive loan apps can be reported to financial regulators, consumer protection bodies, data protection authorities and app stores. Where to report and what to include.
Unlicensed loan apps, fee-first loan scams and abusive collectors can all be reported. Each report helps regulators act and app stores remove harmful apps.
Where to report
- Financial regulator or central bank: unlicensed lending. See checking a lender's licence.
- Consumer protection authority: unfair practices and harassment.
- Data protection authority: misuse of your contacts or photos. See loan app harassment.
- App stores: report the app's listing.
- Police: threats, extortion or fraud. See reporting financial fraud.
What to include
- The app name, company name and store link.
- Loan amounts, fees, dates and payments made.
- Screenshots of messages, threats and anything sent to your contacts.
- Phone numbers used by collectors.
Regulators have taken action against abusive digital lenders in several countries after complaints. Your report adds to that evidence.
Related: loan app scams and debt collection scams. For more, see what to do if money is taken.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I report a loan app?
Your central bank or financial regulator, consumer protection authority, data protection authority if contacts were misused, the app store, and the police for threats.
Does reporting affect my debt?
Reporting harassment or illegal practices is separate from any genuine debt. Keep records and seek advice about repayment.
How do I report to the app store?
Open the app's store listing and use the report or flag option, describing the harassment or scam.
Sources
- Directory of Digital Credit Providers, Central Bank of Kenya
- Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC (Nigeria)
- Fake and Abusive Debt Collectors, US Federal Trade Commission
