What to do when you receive harassing repayment calls?

If you're receiving harassing repayment calls in the Philippines, you're not alone. Many people in the Philippines have experienced this, and it can be a very stressful and upsetting experience.

Here are some things you can do if you're receiving harassing repayment calls:

1. Stay calm. It can be difficult to stay calm when you're being harassed, but it's important to try. If you get angry, the caller may become more aggressive.
2. Identify yourself. The caller may not know who you are, so it's important to identify yourself. This will help to stop them from calling you at work or other places where you don't want to be bothered.
3. Ask for the caller's name and contact information. This will help you if you need to file a complaint.
4. Ask the caller to stop calling you. You can say something like, "Please stop calling me. I'm not interested in speaking to you."
5. If the caller continues to call, hang up. You don't have to listen to them.
6. Keep a record of the calls. Write down the date, time, and what was said. This will help you if you need to file a complaint.

If the harassment continues, you can file a complaint with the following agencies:

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)‍

The CFPB is a federal agency that protects consumers from unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices. You can file a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling 1-855-411-2372.

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC)‍

The PCC is a government agency that regulates competition in the Philippines. You can file a complaint with the PCC online or by calling 791-7300.

You can also file a complaint with the lender or collection agency. Many lenders and collection agencies have policies against harassment, and they may be able to stop the calls if you file a complaint.

If the harassment is severe, you may be able to sue the lender or collection agency. However, this is usually a last resort, and it's important to speak to an attorney before you file a lawsuit.

If you're having trouble paying back a loan, there are resources available to help you. You can contact a credit counseling agency, which can help you create a budget and negotiate with your creditors. You can also contact the Pag-IBIG Fund or the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), which offer loan programs for low-income borrowers.

If you're underbanked, there are still options available to you. You can use a loan comparison tool here to find loans that are designed for underbanked borrowers. Loanonline.ph compares interest rates from a variety of lenders, so you can be sure to get the best deal.