Can Loan Apps Call Your Contacts? Here’s What the Law Says
Loan Apps Shaming You? Here’s Why Calling Your Contacts Is Now Illegal in Nigeria (2025 Update)
You borrowed a certain amount to settle a medical emergency or pay your fees. The next thing, your boss, pastor, and that distant person you’ve not spoken to in years get WhatsApp messages calling you a fraudster or thief. That’s the new “gbese” (debt) harassment Nigerians know too well from shady loan apps.
But in 2025 there’s finally good news. The law has made it clear that loan apps have no right to call or message your contacts. If they do, the loan apps break multiple Nigerian laws, and you can fight back.
This article breaks it down, giving information on why loan apps still want your contacts, the laws protecting you now, the FCCPC’s laws, pros and cons for borrowers, and other practical considerations.
Why Loan Apps Still Want Your Contacts in 2025
Many do not read app permissions before clicking “Allow.” Loan apps use this to demand access to your:
- Contact list
- SMS messages
- Call logs
- Location
- Media and storage
Once they get access, they don’t stop. Some of these loans apps still go ahead to:
- Save your contacts on their servers.
- Threaten to message or actually message your friends, colleagues, or even business members.
- Call you a “fraudster” or “absconder” to shame you into repayment.
This practice has a name “digital shaming”. This practice has recently become illegal under Nigerian law.
What the Law Says in 2025
Here’s how Nigerian laws and regulations protect you:
| Law/Regulation | What It Covers | How It Protects You | Pros for Borrowers | Cons/Limitations |
| Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA, 2023) | Personal data use | Your contacts cannot be shared or messaged without your consent. | Protects your family and friends from harassment. | Many borrowers don’t know how to report. |
| Constitution (1999, Section 37) | Right to privacy | Your calls, chats, and contact list are private | Reinforces your right to privacy | It has to be enforced in court which a lot of Nigerians shy away from. |
| FCCPC Digital Lending Guidelines (2025) | Digital lenders’ conduct | Only FCCPC-approved lenders can operate | Safer borrowing, fewer scam apps | Stricter checks make loans harder to access for low-income earners |
| Cybercrimes Act (2015) | Data abuse and cyber harassment | WhatsApp “fraud alerts” is also a cybercrime | You can press charges | Just a few cases reach courts. |
| Defamation Law | False accusations | If an app calls you a thief without proof, you can sue | Compensation for reputational damage | Legal process is slow and costly |
FCCPC’s Breakdown on Loan Apps (2024–2025)
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has stepped up enforcement since 2022. In 2024 and 2025:
- Over 30 illegal lenders were shut down.
- Google and Apple were pressured to delist apps violating Nigerian privacy rules.
- FCCPC published an official whitelist of approved lenders.
- Some loan companies had their bank accounts frozen for harassment.
Here’s a quick chart showing the FCCPC’s impact:
- 2022: 10 loan apps delisted
- 2023: 20 loan apps delisted
- 2024: 28 loan apps delisted, 15 accounts frozen
- 2025 (so far): 32 loan apps delisted, ₦250m fines issued
The Borrower’s Reality: Pros and Cons
Pros for borrowers:
- Borrowers can report harassment and actually see results.
- Approved lenders like Branch, FairMoney, Carbon, Renmoney, Palmcredit now operate under stricter rules.
Cons:
- Many unregistered apps still operate in WhatsApp groups and Telegram.
- Low-income earners who rely on quick loans find it harder to access funds.
📌: This does not mean one should go around borrowing to default. If you keep defaulting, your credit score reduces and you can be sued and charged by the registered loan apps.
What To Do If a Loan App Calls Your Contacts
- Gather Evidence
- Take screenshots of messages.
- Save voice notes or call logs.
- Ask your contacts to confirm what they received.
- Report Immediately
- FCCPC: contact@fccpc.gov.ng
- or their complaint portal.
- NITDA (data privacy): info@nitda.gov.ng.
- CBN (for financial violations).
- Google Play Store or Apple App Store (to flag the app).
- Seek Legal Action
- Talk to a lawyer. Many Nigerian lawyers now take such cases on contingency.
- You can sue for defamation, harassment, or privacy breach.
- Check the FCCPC’s Approved List Before Borrowing
- Visit: fccpc.gov.ng
- If the app is not listed, don’t borrow.
Do’s and Don’ts of Borrowing in 2025
Do:
- Borrow only from FCCPC-approved apps.
- Read app permissions carefully.
- Borrow to pay back on time.
- Again, pay loans on time.
- Keep evidence of all loan-related communication.
Don’t:
- Grant unnecessary access (contacts, photos, storage).
- Fall for WhatsApp or Telegram loan adverts.
- Pay under harassment or duress.
How to Borrow Without Wahala
- Use banks or microfinance institutions if possible.
- Check reviews on Play Store before downloading any loan app.
- Limit permissions . No loan app needs access to your full contact list.
- Consider alternatives like cooperatives, savings groups, or regulated digital lenders.
Final Word
Loan apps no longer have the right to disgrace you. The NDPA, FCCPC, Constitution, and Cybercrime Act are on your side.
If a loan app harasses you, document everything, report to FCCPC, and seek legal help.
In 2025, Nigerian borrowers finally have stronger protection — but it’s up to you to use the law and ensure you do not misuse the privilege too.
Quick Recap
- Loan apps cannot legally call or message your contacts in Nigeria.
- FCCPC’s 2025 guidelines make harassment punishable.
- Always check FCCPC’s whitelist before borrowing.
- If harassed, gather evidence and report immediately.
- Borrow responsibly to avoid digital “gbese wahala” because you go pay am.
