Yes. An online lending app in the Philippines may deduct certain fees from your loan proceeds, but only if the fees are clearly disclosed, agreed to before you accept the loan, lawful, reasonable, and included in the computation of the true cost of credit. A deduction is not automatically illegal just because you received less than the approved loan amount. The legal problem begins when the app hides the deduction, labels charges in a misleading way, gives you no proper disclosure statement, or makes the total cost exceed the limits set by Philippine regulators.
For many borrowers, the issue looks like this: the app says you were “approved” for ₱5,000, but only ₱3,500 or ₱4,000 arrives in your GCash, Maya, or bank account. A few days later, the app demands repayment of the full ₱5,000 plus interest or penalties. This article explains when that is allowed, when it may violate Philippine law, what documents you should look for, and where you can complain.
Quick Answer: Can Online Lending Apps Deduct Fees Upfront?
Online lending apps can deduct fees from the released amount only if all of these are true:
The fee was disclosed before you accepted the loan.
The loan agreement or disclosure statement clearly states:
- the loan amount or principal;
- the fees deducted;
- the net proceeds you will actually receive;
- the interest rate;
- the effective interest rate or true cost of the loan;
- the total amount you must repay;
- the due date and late-payment charges.
The lender is a legitimate lending or financing company authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The fees are not excessive, deceptive, or unconscionable.
For covered small online loans, the total charges stay within the interest and fee ceilings imposed by the SEC.
A deduction may be a red flag if the app shows a big “approved amount” but hides that a large part will be taken as a “processing fee,” “service fee,” “platform fee,” “disbursement fee,” “verification fee,” “membership fee,” or similar charge.
The legal question is not just “Was there a fee?” The better question is:
Did the borrower know, before accepting, how much would actually be received and how much would actually have to be repaid?
That is the heart of the Philippine Truth in Lending rules.
What “Deducted Fees” Mean in an Online Loan
In online lending, deducted fees are usually charges taken from the loan proceeds before the money reaches the borrower.
For example:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Approved loan amount | ₱5,000 |
| Processing fee deducted | ₱750 |
| Service fee deducted | ₱250 |
| Net amount released to borrower | ₱4,000 |
| Amount app demands on due date | ₱5,000 or more |
The borrower may feel that the real loan was only ₱4,000 because that is the money actually received. The lender may say the loan was ₱5,000 because that is the approved principal.
This is why disclosure matters. Philippine law requires lenders to show the borrower the true cost of credit, not just a headline loan amount.
Important terms:
| Term | Simple meaning |
|---|---|
| Principal | The loan amount stated in the contract. |
| Net proceeds | The amount actually received by the borrower after deductions. |
| Finance charge | The total cost of borrowing, including interest and other fees charged because credit was extended. |
| Effective Interest Rate (EIR) | A rate that reflects the real cost of the loan after considering interest, fees, deductions, and payment timing. |
| Late payment charge | Extra charge imposed if you fail to pay on time. |
A fee deducted upfront can make a loan much more expensive than it looks. If you borrow ₱5,000 but receive only ₱4,000 and must repay ₱5,000 after seven days, your cost is not “zero interest.” You paid ₱1,000 for the use of ₱4,000 for one week.
Legal Basis in the Philippines
Several Philippine laws and regulations apply to online lending apps that deduct fees from loan proceeds.
Truth in Lending Act: Borrowers Must Know the Real Cost of Credit
The main law is the Truth in Lending Act, Republic Act No. 3765.
RA 3765 requires creditors to disclose the true cost of credit so borrowers can compare credit terms and avoid being misled. It requires disclosure of the finance charge, the amount financed, and the percentage that the finance charge bears to the amount financed.
Under the law, the finance charge includes not only interest but also fees, service charges, discounts, and other charges imposed because credit was extended.
This is important for online lending apps because a lender cannot simply say:
“The interest is low. The rest is just a processing fee.”
If the fee is charged as part of getting the loan, it is generally part of the cost of credit and should be disclosed as such.
For consumer loans, the disclosure should show the borrower the important numbers before the borrower becomes bound by the loan. In practice, a borrower should be able to see the amount borrowed, deductions, net proceeds, finance charges, rate, due date, and total amount payable before tapping “Accept,” “Confirm,” or “Borrow Now.”
Lending Company Regulation Act: Lending Companies Must Follow Disclosure Rules
Online lending apps are usually operated by lending companies or financing companies.
Under the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007, Republic Act No. 9474, lending companies may grant loans with reasonable interest and charges agreed with the debtor, but they must comply with the Truth in Lending Act and other consumer protection laws.
A lending company must also have authority from the SEC to operate as a lending company. A corporation cannot legally conduct lending business in the Philippines simply by launching an app or website.
The SEC’s guidance for lending and financing companies explains that lending companies and financing companies are regulated entities. Borrowers should check the company name behind the app, not just the app’s brand name.
This matters because some apps use one public-facing app name but a different registered corporate name. When complaining or verifying, you need both if possible.
Financial Consumer Protection Act: Fees Must Be Fair and Transparent
The Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, Republic Act No. 11765, strengthened the protection of financial consumers in the Philippines.
For borrowers, the key ideas are:
- financial service providers must treat consumers fairly;
- terms and fees must be transparent;
- regulators may act against abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices;
- financial regulators may look into the reasonableness of charges and fees;
- consumers should have access to complaint and redress mechanisms.
For online lending, this law supports the rule that charges should not be hidden behind confusing app screens, rushed acceptance buttons, or misleading labels.
Civil Code: Contracts Bind the Parties, But Abusive Interest May Be Struck Down
The Civil Code of the Philippines also applies.
Under Article 1159, obligations from contracts have the force of law between the parties and should be complied with in good faith. This means that if you validly accepted a lawful loan agreement, you generally must comply with it.
But this does not give lenders unlimited power.
Under Article 1956, no interest is due unless it has been expressly stipulated in writing. Interest and charges should be clear, written, and agreed upon.
The Supreme Court has also repeatedly held that courts may reduce or disregard interest rates that are unconscionable, meaning extremely excessive, oppressive, or shocking to conscience. In Medel v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court treated an excessive interest rate as unconscionable. Later cases have followed the same principle.
This does not mean every high-interest online loan is automatically void. It means that hidden, oppressive, or grossly excessive charges may be challenged, especially when the borrower was not properly informed.
Current SEC Caps for Covered Online Lending Loans
For certain small consumer loans, the SEC has imposed ceilings on interest, fees, penalties, and total cost.
As of 2026, under SEC rules for covered online lending and financing transactions, the caps generally apply to:
| Requirement | Covered loan |
|---|---|
| Type of loan | Unsecured, general-purpose loan |
| Amount | ₱10,000 or less |
| Loan term | Up to 4 months |
| Provider | Lending company, financing company, or online lending platform covered by SEC rules |
For covered loans entered into, renewed, or restructured beginning April 1, 2026, SEC MC No. 14, Series of 2025 lowered the effective interest rate ceiling. The key limits are generally:
| Charge | Current ceiling for covered loans |
|---|---|
| Nominal interest rate | 6% per month, or about 0.2% per day |
| Effective interest rate | 12% per month, or about 0.4% per day |
| Late payment penalty | 5% per month on the outstanding scheduled amount due |
| Total cost cap | 100% of the total amount borrowed |
Before April 1, 2026, the earlier SEC rules under SEC MC No. 3, Series of 2022 used a 15% per month effective interest rate cap for covered loans. The shift to 12% per month is important for borrowers checking newer transactions.
The effective interest rate is the crucial number. It includes the nominal interest plus other applicable fees and charges, such as processing, service, notarial, handling, verification, origination, disbursement, or similar fees.
This means an app cannot avoid the cap simply by saying:
- “This is not interest.”
- “This is a platform fee.”
- “This is a verification fee.”
- “This is a service charge.”
- “This is deducted before release, so it does not count.”
If the charge is part of the cost of getting the loan, it may be included in the effective interest computation.
What If the Loan Is More Than ₱10,000 or Longer Than 4 Months?
Loans outside the specific SEC cap may not be subject to the same fixed ceilings. But that does not mean the lender can charge anything it wants.
Even for loans outside the small-loan cap:
- the charges must be disclosed;
- the borrower must agree in writing;
- the lender must not mislead the borrower;
- the charges must not be unconscionable;
- the company must comply with SEC rules, the Truth in Lending Act, and financial consumer protection laws.
So if an app deducts a very large fee from a ₱20,000 or ₱50,000 loan, the issue is still worth examining. The borrower should check the disclosure statement, the actual net proceeds, the computation of charges, and the total repayment amount.
Practical Example: Why Upfront Deductions Matter
Suppose an online lending app shows this offer:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Loan amount | ₱5,000 |
| Term | 14 days |
| Interest shown | 0% |
| Processing fee | ₱1,000 |
| Net proceeds | ₱4,000 |
| Amount due after 14 days | ₱5,000 |
At first glance, the app may claim there is “0% interest.” But the borrower received only ₱4,000 and must repay ₱5,000 after 14 days.
The real cost is ₱1,000 for borrowing ₱4,000 for two weeks. That fee should not be hidden or treated as irrelevant. It is part of the borrower’s true cost of credit.
Now suppose the app also adds:
- ₱300 “service charge”;
- ₱200 “verification fee”;
- ₱500 late fee after one day;
- rollover fee if the borrower cannot pay on time.
The total cost can quickly become excessive. This is exactly why Philippine regulators require clear disclosure and impose caps for covered small loans.
What You Should See Before Accepting an Online Loan
Before you tap “Accept,” “Confirm,” or “Borrow,” the app should give you enough information to make a real decision.
Look for these details:
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Registered company name | The app name may differ from the SEC-registered company. |
| SEC Certificate of Authority | A lending or financing company should be authorized to operate. |
| Principal or loan amount | This is the amount the app treats as the loan. |
| Deductions | Shows fees taken before release. |
| Net proceeds | Shows how much you will actually receive. |
| Interest rate | Shows the stated interest. |
| Effective interest rate | Shows the real cost after fees and deductions. |
| Total amount payable | Shows what you must pay by the due date. |
| Due date | Important for avoiding late charges. |
| Late payment penalties | Shows additional charges if you miss payment. |
| Rollover or extension fees | Important if the app offers “renewal” or “extension.” |
| Privacy notice | Tells you what personal data the app collects and uses. |
| Collection policy | Shows how the lender may contact you for payment. |
A proper disclosure should be clear enough that an ordinary borrower can answer these questions:
- How much will I receive?
- How much will I repay?
- When is payment due?
- What happens if I pay late?
- What fees are being deducted?
- What is the true cost of the loan?
If the app only shows the net proceeds after you already accepted, that is a serious concern.
What to Do If an Online Lending App Deducted Hidden or Excessive Fees
If you believe an online lending app deducted unlawful, hidden, or excessive fees from your loan proceeds, take a calm and documented approach.
Step 1: Screenshot Everything Immediately
Do this before the app changes the screen or your account becomes inaccessible.
Save screenshots of:
- the loan offer;
- approved amount;
- deducted fees;
- net proceeds;
- repayment schedule;
- due date;
- interest rate;
- effective interest rate, if shown;
- loan agreement;
- disclosure statement;
- collection messages;
- payment instructions;
- app profile page;
- app name and developer name in the app store.
Also save proof of the actual amount received, such as:
- GCash transaction history;
- Maya transaction history;
- bank statement;
- remittance receipt;
- SMS confirmation;
- email confirmation.
Step 2: Ask the Lender for the Full Loan Documents
Message the lender through official channels and request copies of:
- the Disclosure Statement;
- the Promissory Note or loan agreement;
- the amortization schedule or repayment schedule;
- itemized computation of all fees;
- proof of your acceptance;
- the company’s registered corporate name and SEC Certificate of Authority number.
Keep your message short and factual. For example:
Please provide a copy of my loan disclosure statement, loan agreement, itemized computation of all fees deducted from my loan proceeds, effective interest rate, and total amount payable.
Avoid insults or threats. A clear written request helps if you later file a complaint.
Step 3: Compare the Approved Amount, Released Amount, and Amount Due
Create a simple computation:
| Question | Example |
|---|---|
| How much did the app say you borrowed? | ₱5,000 |
| How much did you actually receive? | ₱3,800 |
| How much was deducted upfront? | ₱1,200 |
| How much does the app demand on due date? | ₱5,300 |
| Loan term | 14 days |
Then list the labels used by the app:
- processing fee;
- service fee;
- transfer fee;
- verification fee;
- platform fee;
- convenience fee;
- document fee;
- notarial fee;
- insurance fee;
- membership fee.
The label is less important than the substance. If the fee was charged because of the loan, it may be treated as part of the finance charge or effective interest computation.
Step 4: Check Whether the Lender Is Authorized
Verify the company behind the app, not just the app brand.
You can start with the SEC’s online services and iMessage portal or the SEC’s lending and financing companies information page.
Look for:
- registered corporate name;
- SEC registration number;
- Certificate of Authority to operate as a lending company or financing company;
- official address;
- official contact information;
- whether the company has been subject to SEC advisories, revocation, suspension, or enforcement actions.
If the app refuses to disclose the company name, uses only a generic brand, or constantly changes names, treat that as a red flag.
Step 5: File a Complaint With the SEC for Lending Violations
For complaints involving lending companies, financing companies, online lending platforms, disclosure violations, excessive charges, or unfair collection practices, the SEC is usually the main agency.
The SEC’s complaints page for lending and financing companies explains that complaints should be complete and supported by evidence.
Prepare:
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Complaint form or complaint letter | State facts clearly and chronologically. |
| Valid government ID | Required for identity verification. |
| Screenshots of app offer and fees | Show approved amount, deductions, and repayment demand. |
| Disclosure statement | Important for Truth in Lending issues. |
| Loan agreement or promissory note | Shows what you supposedly accepted. |
| Proof of actual amount received | GCash, Maya, bank, or remittance record. |
| Payment receipts | Shows payments already made. |
| Collection messages or call logs | Important for harassment or unfair collection complaints. |
| App details | App name, developer, website, screenshots, store link. |
The SEC may send the complaint to the company for comment. The company is generally given a period to answer after receipt. The SEC may require further documents, close the complaint if unsupported, endorse it to another agency if outside SEC jurisdiction, or proceed with administrative action if warranted.
Important practical point: the SEC can investigate and impose administrative sanctions, but it generally does not act like a regular court that cancels your loan, rewrites your contract, or declares your balance fully paid. If the dispute is about refund, collection, or enforceability of the obligation, court action may still become relevant.
Step 6: Report Privacy Abuse, Harassment, or Threats Separately
Many online lending complaints are not only about deducted fees. They also involve harassment, shaming, threats, or misuse of contacts.
The DICT-NPC-SEC Public Advisory on Online Lending Platforms warns against abusive practices such as unnecessary app permissions, excessive access to contacts, public shaming, threats, and contacting people who are not guarantors.
An online lending app should not freely contact everyone in your phonebook just because you borrowed money. A “character reference” is not automatically a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who clearly agreed to answer for your debt.
Depending on the facts:
| Problem | Possible office |
|---|---|
| Hidden fees, excessive charges, unfair collection by lending company | SEC |
| Unauthorized access to contacts, misuse of personal data | National Privacy Commission |
| Threats, cyber harassment, scams, fake identities | PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or NBI Cybercrime Division |
| Deceptive consumer practices outside SEC-regulated lending | DTI may be relevant in some cases |
If the app threatens to post your face, message your employer, shame your family, or accuse you publicly of a crime, save the evidence. Do not delete messages before making backups.
Step 7: Do Not Ignore a Legitimate Debt
Even if some fees appear questionable, ignoring the loan can make the situation worse.
A more practical approach is:
- identify the amount you actually received;
- identify the charges you dispute;
- communicate in writing;
- pay only through official channels;
- keep receipts;
- do not pay random personal accounts unless verified;
- avoid repeated “rollovers” that deduct new fees again and again.
If you make a partial payment because you admit receiving the principal but dispute hidden fees, keep proof and write clearly what the payment is for.
For example:
This payment is made for the amount actually received, without admitting the validity of undisclosed or disputed charges.
This kind of record may help later if there is a complaint or court case.
Common Scenarios Borrowers Face
“The App Approved ₱5,000 But I Received Only ₱3,500”
This is one of the most common complaints.
The deduction is not automatically illegal, but the app should have clearly disclosed the deduction before you accepted. It should also show how the deducted charges affect the true cost of the loan.
If the app demands repayment based on ₱5,000 but only released ₱3,500, check:
- whether the ₱1,500 deduction was disclosed;
- what the fee was called;
- whether the effective interest rate was shown;
- whether the loan is covered by SEC caps;
- whether the total cost exceeds allowable limits.
“The App Says the Fee Is Not Interest”
A lender cannot avoid disclosure rules just by changing labels.
A “processing fee,” “service fee,” “platform fee,” or “verification fee” may still be part of the cost of credit if it is imposed because you obtained the loan.
Under Truth in Lending principles, the borrower should see the real cost of borrowing, not just the stated interest rate.
“The Fee Was Shown Only After the Money Was Released”
That is a serious issue.
Disclosure should happen before you become bound by the loan. If the app reveals the deduction only after disbursement, the borrower can argue that consent was not properly informed.
Save screenshots showing the sequence of screens. The timing matters.
“The App Keeps Offering Extensions With New Fees”
Some apps offer “extend,” “renew,” or “rollover” options. These may look convenient, but they can trap borrowers in repeated fees.
For example:
| Week | Action | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Original loan | ₱800 deducted |
| Week 2 | Extension | ₱600 fee |
| Week 3 | Extension | ₱600 fee |
| Week 4 | Extension | ₱600 fee |
The borrower may pay several fees but barely reduce the principal. If the loan is covered by SEC caps, these charges should be checked against the effective interest rate and total cost cap.
“The App Is Not SEC-Registered”
If the app is not connected to an SEC-authorized lending or financing company, that is a major warning sign.
A legitimate lender should be able to identify:
- the corporate name;
- SEC registration;
- Certificate of Authority;
- office address;
- official customer service channels.
Do not rely only on logos, app store ratings, or social media pages. Scammers can copy branding or use fake company names.
“I Am an OFW or Foreigner Who Borrowed Through a Philippine App”
The same basic principles apply if the lender is a Philippine lending or financing company or the loan is handled through a Philippine online lending platform.
For OFWs and foreigners, practical issues include:
- preserving electronic evidence from abroad;
- keeping Philippine e-wallet or bank records;
- identifying the Philippine company behind the app;
- filing complaints online through SEC channels where available;
- using a valid passport or foreign ID if no Philippine government ID is available;
- preparing notarized or authenticated documents if a formal Philippine proceeding later requires them.
For many SEC complaints, electronic copies of screenshots, IDs, loan documents, and transaction records are the starting point. If the matter goes to court, documents executed abroad may need consular notarization or apostille, depending on the country and the document involved.
Can the Lender Sue You If You Do Not Pay?
Yes, a lender may try to collect a legitimate debt through lawful means. If the amount is within the jurisdictional threshold for small claims, the case may be filed in a first-level court under the small claims procedure.
Small claims cases are designed to be faster and simpler than ordinary civil cases. They are document-heavy. Receipts, loan agreements, disclosure statements, payment records, and screenshots can matter a lot.
But a lender should not use harassment, public shaming, threats, fake criminal accusations, or misuse of personal data as collection methods. Debt collection must still follow law and regulation.
Also, non-payment of an ordinary loan is generally a civil matter. A lender should not casually threaten you with imprisonment just because you failed to pay a loan. However, separate facts such as fraud, falsified documents, or bouncing checks may create different legal issues.
Documents and Evidence to Prepare
If you are planning to dispute deducted fees or file a complaint, organize your evidence early.
| Document or evidence | Why it matters | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshots of loan offer | Shows what was presented before acceptance | App screens |
| Disclosure statement | Shows whether Truth in Lending disclosures were made | App, email, lender request |
| Loan agreement or promissory note | Shows the written terms | App, email, lender request |
| Proof of amount received | Shows actual net proceeds | GCash, Maya, bank, remittance app |
| Fee breakdown | Shows what was deducted | App transaction page, statement |
| Repayment schedule | Shows due date and total payable | App dashboard, email, SMS |
| Payment receipts | Shows what you already paid | E-wallet, bank, payment center |
| Collection messages | Shows harassment or unfair collection | SMS, Messenger, Viber, email |
| Call logs and recordings, if lawful and available | Supports collection abuse complaint | Phone records |
| App store listing | Identifies app name and developer | Google Play, Apple App Store |
| Company details | Identifies respondent company | App, SEC search, website |
| Valid ID | Usually required for complaints | Government ID, passport, alien certificate where applicable |
Make a timeline. A simple chronology helps regulators understand the issue faster:
- date you applied;
- amount shown as approved;
- amount actually received;
- fees deducted;
- due date;
- amount demanded;
- payments made;
- collection conduct;
- date you requested documents;
- date you filed complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an online lending app deduct a processing fee before releasing the loan?
Yes, but the processing fee must be clearly disclosed before you accept the loan. It should also be included in the computation of the true cost of credit where applicable. If the app hides the fee or shows it only after release, that may violate Truth in Lending and consumer protection rules.
Is a processing fee the same as interest?
Not always in name, but it may still be part of the cost of borrowing. Under Philippine Truth in Lending principles, finance charges include interest and other charges imposed because credit was extended. A lender cannot avoid disclosure or caps by simply calling interest a “processing fee” or “service fee.”
Is it legal if I borrowed ₱5,000 but received only ₱3,000?
It depends on the disclosure, computation, and applicable caps. If the ₱2,000 deduction was hidden, misleading, excessive, or caused the loan to exceed SEC ceilings for covered loans, it may be legally questionable. Check the disclosure statement, net proceeds, effective interest rate, and total repayment amount.
What is the effective interest rate and why does it matter?
The effective interest rate, or EIR, shows the real cost of the loan after considering interest, fees, deductions, and payment timing. It matters because an app may advertise a low nominal interest rate while deducting large upfront fees. The EIR helps reveal whether the loan is actually much more expensive than it appears.
Can I refuse to pay fees that were not disclosed?
You can dispute undisclosed or improperly disclosed fees, but do not ignore the matter. Ask the lender for the disclosure statement and itemized computation. Keep records. If the lender insists on collecting hidden or excessive charges, you may file a complaint with the SEC and, where appropriate, raise your objections if a collection case is filed.
Are high-interest online loans automatically illegal in the Philippines?
Not automatically. But interest and charges must be written, disclosed, lawful, and not unconscionable. For covered small online loans, SEC caps apply. For other loans, courts and regulators may still act against charges that are deceptive, oppressive, or grossly excessive.
Where can I complain about hidden deductions by an online lending app?
For lending-related violations, you can start with the SEC through its complaints page for lending and financing companies or the SEC iMessage portal. Attach your ID, loan documents, screenshots, proof of disbursement, fee breakdown, and collection messages.
Can the SEC cancel my loan or reduce my balance?
The SEC can investigate lending companies, require explanations, and impose administrative sanctions. However, the SEC generally does not act like a court that cancels a private loan, declares a contract void, or computes the final amount you legally owe. If the dispute reaches court, your documents and complaint records may still be important.
Can an online lending app contact my phone contacts if I do not pay?
An online lending app should not freely contact your phone contacts for collection. Accessing or using your contact list may raise privacy issues, especially if the people contacted are not guarantors. A character reference is not automatically liable for your loan. Save evidence and consider reporting privacy misuse to the National Privacy Commission and abusive collection practices to the SEC.
Can I be jailed for not paying an online loan?
Non-payment of an ordinary debt is generally a civil matter. A lender should not threaten imprisonment merely because you cannot pay. However, separate acts such as fraud, falsification, or issuing bad checks may create different legal consequences. Be careful with documents and payment arrangements, and keep all communications factual and written.
Key Takeaways
- Online lending apps may deduct fees from loan proceeds, but the fees must be disclosed, agreed to, lawful, and included in the true cost of credit.
- The borrower should see the approved amount, deductions, net proceeds, interest, effective interest rate, due date, penalties, and total amount payable before accepting the loan.
- Under the Truth in Lending Act, finance charges include interest and other fees imposed because credit was extended.
- For covered small online loans, SEC caps apply to nominal interest, effective interest, late penalties, and total cost.
- A fee is not exempt from regulation just because the app calls it a processing fee, service fee, platform fee, or verification fee.
- Hidden deductions, excessive charges, misleading app screens, and abusive collection practices may be reported to the SEC.
- Privacy abuse, contact-list misuse, threats, and public shaming may also involve the National Privacy Commission, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, or NBI Cybercrime Division.
- Keep screenshots, loan documents, fee computations, proof of actual amount received, payment receipts, and collection messages.
- Do not ignore a legitimate debt, but do not blindly pay disputed hidden fees without requesting a proper computation.
- The most important question is whether you clearly knew, before accepting, how much you would receive and how much you would have to repay.