Before you install any loan app
8 red flags of an illegal loan app
Two or more? Don't install it. Delete the message.
- It found you. A random SMS, WhatsApp forward or ad, not your own bank.
- It wants your contacts or photos. A real lender needs your ID, not your phone book.
- No RBI-registered lender named, or the name isn't on rbi.org.in.
- Interest per day or per week. "Just 1% a day" is 365% a year.
- A big fee cut before the money reaches you, or asked for upfront.
- Repay in 7 days, not months.
- No address, no grievance officer, no customer-care number.
- Reviews mention threats, calls to family or "morphed" photos.
Already trapped?
You are not the criminal. Threats and morphed photos are crimes against you.
- Don't pay more than you received. Don't take a 2nd loan.
- Tell your family before the app does.
- Screenshot everything. Uninstall the app.
- Report it: call 1930.
Free helplines
1930 Cybercrime · cybercrime.gov.in
sachet.rbi.org.in Report illegal lenders
181 Women helpline
14416 Tele-MANAS (mental health)