What To Do If a Loan App Harasses or Blackmails You (Nigeria) Step-by-Step Guide

Loan apps can be convenient but when they cross the line into harassment, threats, or blackmail (calling contacts, sharing screenshots, threatening to post photos), the experience is terrifying. In Nigeria, victims have rights and several routes to stop abuse: technical (block/uninstall/revoke), administrative (report to app stores and regulators), and legal (police, EFCC). This article gives a practical checklist, exact wording you can copy, and the agencies to contact so you can respond quickly and confidently.

Quick Action Checklist (first 10–30 minutes)

• Do not pay any extra money if they demand it to “stop the calls.”
• Screenshot every harassment message, call log, and threat (date/time visible).
• Record incoming call times and numbers (use call recording if legal in your state).
• Block their phone number and loan-app numbers immediately.
• Take note of the app name, developer name (from Play Store/App Store), and any registration details they used (phone, email).
• Tell one trusted person where they can find your evidence (don’t share the evidence publicly).

Step 1. Preserve Evidence (what to save and how)

Strong evidence speeds action with regulators or police.

Save:

• Screenshots of messages, threats, and debt demands (include timestamps).
• Photos of any screenshots they claim to have (if they send them).
• Call logs showing repeated calls and the caller ID.
• SMS messages (use built-in SMS backup or screenshot).
• App details: app store page (developer name, package name), screenshots of your user profile in the app (if accessible).
• Payment receipts you made to the app (bank transfers, POS slips, airtime top-ups).

How to save securely:

• Save everything to your phone and upload a copy to Google Drive, iCloud, or email to yourself.
• Keep original SIM/phone as-is until you report (don’t factory reset).
• Make a short written log (date/time/what happened) this helps when reporting to police.

Step 2. Stop Immediate Contact

Block and isolate the threat

• Block the numbers that call or text you. On Android: Phone app → call log → tap number → Block/report spam. On iPhone: Phone → Info → Block this Caller.
• Do not call back unknown numbers or pay to stop harassment. Scammers use payments to validate your account and escalate abuse.
• Change your SIM if calls persist from multiple burner numbers get a new SIM and register it.
• Tell your bank: if the app has access to your bank (via BVN, debit card, or paycode), immediately contact your bank to freeze debit card and suspicious permissions. Ask your bank to monitor unusual debits.
• Notify close contacts privately that you are being harassed; tell them not to engage if contacted by the app.

Step 3. Revoke App Permissions and Remove the App Safely

1. Revoke permissions first (so app can’t read SMS, contacts, or access storage):
   • Android: Settings → Apps → [Loan App] → Permissions → Revoke SMS/Contacts/Storage.
   • iPhone: Settings → [Loan App] → Disable permissions.
2. Change linked passwords: email, phone OTP, and any app password.
3. Uninstall the app after revoking permissions. If it won’t uninstall, boot into safe mode (Android) or use device management to remove it.
4. Scan your phone with a reputable mobile security app to check for spyware.

Step 4. Report to App Stores & Get the App Removed

If the app harasses or violates privacy, report it to the platform.

Google Play (Android)

• Open the app’s Play Store page → three dots → Flag as inappropriate → Select relevant reason (e.g., harassment, privacy violation).
• Use “Report Inappropriate Apps” and include screenshots.

Apple App Store (iPhone)

• On the app page, tap Report a Problem or use https://reportaproblem.apple.com/ and pick “Fraud or Scam” or “Other”.

Why this helps: App stores can suspend apps; multiple complaints move review faster. Also ask the store to preserve the app developer’s records (helpful for investigations).

Step 5. File Complaints with Nigerian Regulators (where to go)

There are formal bodies that handle digital lender abuse in Nigeria. File written complaints and attach evidence.

1. Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)

• FCCPC accepts complaints about unfair commercial practices, harassment, and extortion by digital lenders.
• Collect your evidence and submit via the FCCPC complaints portal or email. Search for the FCCPC complaints page or “Digital Lenders Taskforce” contact.

2. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Consumer Protection/Banking Complaints

• If a licensed bank or bank channel is involved (unauthorised debit, card access), complain to your bank immediately and escalate to CBN’s consumer protection desk.
• Keep bank complaint reference numbers.

3. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

• For threats that involve blackmail, extortion, doxxing, or clear cybercrime, report to the EFCC cybercrime desk. EFCC has hotlines and a cybercrime reporting channel. They can investigate cross-border and organised networks.

4. Nigeria Police Cybercrime Unit

• Report at your nearest police station (attach evidence). Ask for a written complaint report (PFN or police incident number) you’ll need it for further actions against the app.

5. Google Play / Apple follow-up

• After you report to regulators, include regulator complaint numbers in your Play/App Store appeals to speed removal.

Step 6. Go To The Police / EFCC (exact steps)

1. Visit the nearest police station with your evidence folder (printouts and soft copies). Ask for the cybercrime unit or for an officer that handles cyber fraud. Request an official incident number and get a copy of your statement.
2. File with EFCC (where the crime is sophisticated/extortion/doxxing). Use EFCC’s cybercrime rapid response desk or their reporting portal. Provide: copies of screenshots, dates, bank receipts, app store links, and the police incident number (if already filed).
3. Follow up every 3–7 days; ask for case updates and any evidence preservation orders to Google/Apple or telcos.

Sample Complaint Template, Message to Regulator / Police

Use this template when emailing FCCPC, emailing EFCC or submitting online:

Subject: Complaint Harassment/Blackmail by Loan App [App name] URGENT

Dear [Agency name],

I am writing to report harassment and blackmail by the mobile loan app [App name] (developer: [developer name]). The app has been calling and sending threatening messages to me and my contacts since [date]. I have attached screenshots of the messages, call logs, my payment receipts, and the app store link.

Summary:

• My phone number: +234[XXXXXXXXXX]
• App name & link: [link]
• Nature of harassment: threats to publish private photos, calls to contacts, repeated calls >30 times/day, and extortion demand of ₦[amount] to stop.
• Actions taken so far: blocked numbers, revoked permissions, notified my bank (ref: [bank complaint ref]), and saved evidence.

Please advise the next steps and how your office can help stop this harassment. I request an urgent investigation and preservation of the app developer’s records.

Kind regards,
[Your full name]
Contact: +234[XXXXXXXXXX]
Attachments: screenshots.zip, calllogs.pdf, payment_receipts.pdf

What to Expect After You Report

• App store action: If many users report, Play Store/Apple may suspend app pending investigation.
• FCCPC/CBN: They may request more details, preserve developer records, or issue enforcement to remove the app.
• EFCC/Police: If the evidence shows cybercrime/extortion, they may open criminal investigation; this may take weeks. Ask for a case reference and follow up.
• Banks/telcos: If unauthorized debits occurred, banks may reverse pending debits or block transactions under dispute, but this depends on your bank’s verification.

Preventive Tips. Avoid Aggressive Loan Apps

• Only download apps from trusted publishers. Check developer name, reviews, and number of installs.
• Never share your BVN, debit card PIN, or full OTP with apps. Banks and legitimate lenders do not ask for PINs via chat.
• Use known Nigerian fintechs (established name) for loans or regulated MFIs and always read the privacy policy.
• If they ask to access your contacts or gallery, revoke such permissions and consider it a red flag.
• Keep your phone OS updated and avoid installing apps from outside Play Store/App Store.

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FAQs

Q: What if the app already published my contacts on social media?
A: Keep screenshots of the posts and report to the platform (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp). Also include the social post in your complaint to EFCC and FCCPC.

Q: Will paying the app stop the harassment?
A: Paying often makes matters worse many debt-shaming operations escalate after payment because they treat it as proof you can be extorted again. Report first.

Q: How long before authorities act?
A: It varies: app stores can act fast (days); regulators and police may take weeks. Keep pressing with evidence and case numbers.

Q: Can I sue the app developer?
A: Yes, civil action for harassment, invasion of privacy, and defamation is possible, but criminal charges through EFCC/police are usually the faster deterrent.

Editor’s Advice

✅ Act fast. Harassment escalates if you do nothing.
✅ Document everything, and get official complaint numbers from police and regulators.
✅ Use official channels (FCCPC, EFCC, bank complaint lines, Play Store/App Store) they can remove apps and preserve evidence.

Useful Contacts & Links (start here)

• FCCPC, Consumer complaints and digital lenders taskforce (search FCCPC complaints portal).
• EFCC, Cybercrime desk and rapid response channels (use EFCC reporting hotline/portal).
• CBN, Consumer protection (for banks and unauthorised debits).
• Google Play / Apple App Store, Report app as inappropriate or fraudulent via the store.

Conclusion

Getting harassed or blackmailed by a loan app is scary but you’re not powerless. Stop contact, preserve evidence, remove app permissions, and report to app stores and Nigerian authorities (FCCPC, CBN, EFCC, Police). Use the templates above, keep copies of all reference numbers, and follow up until the app is suspended and the perpetrators are investigated.