The online loan scam in Pakistan has been a prevalent issue that has unfortunately been ignored by the authorities. However, recent events have shed light on the horrendous activities of these loan sharks operating through digital apps. The consequences of their actions have even resulted in a loss of life, revealing the urgent need for intervention.
One incident that sparked public outrage was the suicide of a man in Rawalpindi. The victim had initially borrowed Rs.13,000 through a digital loan app to cover his rent and children’s school fees, as he was unemployed at the time. However, due to exorbitant interest rates and further borrowing from other apps, his debt skyrocketed to Rs.800,000, which became impossible for the deceased to repay.
The victim was harassed and blackmailed by loan sharks, ultimately leading to his tragic decision to take his own life. As a result, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) began investigating the matter and raided the offices of these loan shark operations.
The increasing inflationary pressures in Pakistan have pushed individuals to rely on online loan apps for financial assistance. However, many of these apps operate without proper regulatory control, taking advantage of borrowers. Despite warnings from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), cautioning individuals about these lenders, the authorities have failed to protect citizens from falling into the trap of these scams.
These loan apps often promise low interest rates and instant credit, attracting users to borrow money without their confirmation. However, substantial amounts are deducted as service and processing charges, ranging from 21% to 38%. The annual percentage rates (APRs) for these loans are reported to be between 11% and 39%.
The agents employed by these loan shark outfits aggressively target citizens, their friends, and families, making hundreds of calls every day. They collect personal information through the loan apps, exploiting this data for their malicious purposes. This systemic issue requires comprehensive legislation and strict enforcement to protect vulnerable individuals.
Audits have revealed the involvement of foreign nationals in these loan shark operations. The authorities are taking forensic measures to investigate their devices and data. Additionally, recordings of phone calls have surfaced, revealing instances of personal data threats made by loan app employees.
To combat this issue, a holistic approach involving various government agencies, stakeholders, and increased financial education for individuals is necessary. Implementing consumer protection laws, strengthening law enforcement collaboration with financial institutions, and addressing mental health concerns are crucial steps to alleviate the impact of loan sharking in Pakistan.
App stores, the SECP, and the FIA play significant roles in regulating digital lenders, ensuring their compliance with national laws, displaying transparent terms that are easily understandable for citizens, and preventing access to personal data. Individuals should also rely on established microfinance institutions and be cautious of questionable enterprises offering instant cash. Supporting financing options that provide assistance during challenging financial situations is another way the government can protect its citizens.
Notably, Google has taken measures to restrict personal loan apps from accessing user contacts or photos in Pakistan. The platform has updated its policies to require country-specific licensing documents from loan apps, proving their ability to provide personal loans. Pakistan is now the sixth country where Google has introduced additional requirements for digital lending apps.
The SECP has received numerous complaints against both registered and unregistered lending apps, engaging in exploitative practices and blackmailing customers. The regulator has taken steps against non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), allowing only one lending app per NBFC. Collaborations with Google, Apple, mobile wallet providers, and telecom service providers have been established to remove apps operating from outside Pakistan.
It is essential to conduct proper due diligence and verify the legitimacy of such loaning outfits before allowing them to operate in Pakistan. The simplicity of cyber activities often leads to opportunistic individuals without any ethical considerations entering the industry for quick profits. Addressing these issues and protecting citizens from fraud require a united effort from all stakeholders.