In the Philippines, the rise of Financial Technology (FinTech) has led to a proliferation of online lending platforms. While many provide accessible credit, a significant number operate outside the bounds of the law or continue to operate after their Certificate of Authority (CA) has been revoked by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Engaging with an unlicensed lender—or one whose license has been cancelled—poses severe risks, including predatory interest rates, data privacy violations, and harassment. Below is a comprehensive guide on identifying and reporting these entities.

I. Understanding the Regulatory Framework

Under Republic Act No. 9474 (The Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007) and Republic Act No. 8556 (The Financing Company Act of 1998), no lending or financing company shall conduct business unless it possesses a valid Certificate of Incorporation and a Certificate of Authority (CA) to operate as a lending/financing company.

When the SEC revokes a license, the entity loses its legal standing to offer new loans or collect payments under the terms of its previous license. Continuing operations constitutes unauthorized lending, which is a criminal offense.

II. How to Verify a Lending App’s Status

Before filing a report, you must confirm the current status of the entity. The SEC regularly updates its database of revoked and suspended companies.

Check the SEC Website: Visit the SEC official website and navigate to the "Lending & Financing Companies" section.
Verify the List of Revoked Entities: Look for the specific list titled "List of Lending Companies with Revoked Certificates of Authority" or search for formal Cease and Desist Orders (CDO) issued against specific apps.
Confirm the Corporate Name: Often, the app name (e.g., "FastCash") differs from the registered corporate name (e.g., "ABC Lending Corp."). The SEC lists companies by their official registered names.

III. Grounds for Reporting

A report is warranted if a lending app with a revoked license engages in any of the following:

Continued Operation: Offering new loan products despite a revocation order.
Unfair Collection Practices: Using threats, insults, or "debt-shaming" (contacting people in your phone's contact list).
Violation of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18 (Series of 2019): This circular prohibits unfair debt collection practices, regardless of the license status.
Interest Rate Violations: Charging rates that exceed the ceilings set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular No. 1133.

IV. Step-by-Step Reporting Process

1. Gather Evidence

To ensure your complaint is actionable, document everything:

Screenshots: Of the app interface, the loan agreement, and the revoked status from the SEC site.
Communication Logs: Save text messages, emails, or call logs involving harassment or collection attempts.
Proof of Payment: Any receipts or transaction histories via e-wallets or banks.

2. File a Formal Complaint with the SEC

The SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) is the primary body handling these cases.

Online Portal: Use the SEC i-Message platform.
Email: Send your complaint and evidence to epd@sec.gov.ph.
Walk-in: You may visit the SEC Secretariat Building, PICC Complex, Pasay City.

3. Coordinate with the National Privacy Commission (NPC)

If the app accessed your contacts or posted your personal information online, file a separate complaint for violation of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) via the NPC's official website.

4. Report to the PNP-ACG or NBI-CCD

For cases involving cyber-harassment, threats, or identity theft, contact:

PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG): Visit their headquarters at Camp Crame or report via their Facebook page/website.
NBI Cybercrime Division (CCD): File a complaint at the NBI main office or regional offices.

V. Key Legal Remedies for Borrowers

Cease and Desist: A successful report can lead to the SEC issuing a CDO, effectively shutting down the app’s digital presence.
Criminal Prosecution: Operating without a license carries penalties of fines ranging from ₱10,000 to ₱50,000 or imprisonment of six months to ten years, or both.
Invalidation of Excessive Interest: While the principal debt generally remains, courts may "reduce" or "void" unconscionable interest rates that violate BSP regulations.

VI. Summary Table: Where to Report

Agency	Violation Type	Contact Method
SEC (EIPD)	Unlicensed/Revoked operations, unfair collection	epd@sec.gov.ph
NPC	Privacy violations, contact list harvesting	complaints@privacy.gov.ph
PNP-ACG	Cyber-harassment, grave threats	acg.pnp.gov.ph
Google/Apple	Terms of Service violations	Report via Play Store/App Store

Note: Reporting to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store is a critical secondary step. Providing proof of the SEC revocation to the platform provider often results in the app being delisted, preventing further victims.