How to Deal With Loan Collectors

Recently, there have been widespread public complaints about the actions of debt collectors or online loan collectors (pinjol) who collect money by terrorizing and accessing customers’ personal data.

When you decide to borrow money online, you need to be prepared to face several risks, especially if you borrow money from one of the lending platforms. You need to be careful about billing methods that are not compliant with regulations.

Dealing with terrifying or threatening pinjols is not as easy as you might imagine. For some customers, dealing with debt collectors can be a scary and stressful experience.

So how to solve it? Here are some strategies you can apply to deal with debt collectors in Pinjol:

1. Know your rights and responsibilities

The first step is to understand your rights and obligations as a customer. Legal debt collectors must comply with the regulations set by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), including in terms of collection methods. You have the right to be treated in a polite and non-intimidating manner.

2. Keep proof of communication

Always keep evidence of communication with debt collectors, in the form of text messages, emails, or phone records. This can be helpful if you need to report unethical or illegal behavior.

3. Don’t be afraid to report

If you feel that a debt collector is acting rudely, threateningly or breaking the law and sharing your personal data, please feel free to report it on the following pages:

– Law enforcement can open the site or send an email to info@cyber.polri.go.id;
– Financial Services Authority with hotline 157, WA 081-157-157-157 and email consumer@ojk.go.id/;
– Kemenkominfo Through the ID page, send an email to aduankonten@kominfo.go.id or contact WA 08119224545.

4. Negotiate wisely

Try to negotiate with the debt collectors. Explain your financial situation and try to find a more lenient agreement, such as an extension of payment terms or a reduction in interest.

5. Keep your personal data confidential

Debt collectors do not have the right to distribute your personal data to third parties. If there is a threat or misuse of personal data, report it to the authorities immediately.

6. Get legal help

If the pressure from debt collectors is too much, consider seeking legal assistance. A lawyer or legal aid organization can provide appropriate advice and support.

7. Get informed

Continue to educate yourself on the rules and regulations for online lending. Understanding the details of the loan agreement from the beginning can prevent difficulties later on.

Dealing with a debt collector can be a scary experience, but by knowing your rights and taking the right steps, you can protect yourself from unethical collection practices.

Education, negotiation and reporting to authorities are the keys to managing this situation wisely. However, OJK Investment Alert Task Force reminded the public to remain alert and cautious of online loan offers.

They suggest checking the legal status of pinjol through the complaints services and information available from the competent authorities.

Here are the steps to check the legality of Pinjol:

1. Visit OJK website at www.ojk.go.id/id/kanal/iknb/financial-technology/Default.aspx to find registered online loans by clicking on the “IKNB” section, then selecting fintech at the bottom right.

2. The public can also verify the authenticity of the loan via OJK official WhatsApp (WA). The method:

– Save the official OJK WhatsApp number 081-157-157-157 in your phone’s contact list.
– Open WhatsApp application and open the saved OJK contact.
– Type the name of the loan you want to verify, for example “com”.
– Send a message and wait until the bot finishes checking and responding to the loan status on OJK.

3. Alternatively, the public can verify via electronic mail (e-mail) at jasainvestasi@ojk.go.id or contact OJK Consumer Service Number at 157.

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