🚨 The Golden Rule of Recovery
STOP PAYING. Do not pay even one rupee.
The agents will lie that if you pay, they will close the loan. They won't. They will demand more money tomorrow. The only way to stop the harassment is to cut off the money supply and block them.
1. How the Scam Starts (The Hook)
You see an ad on Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: "Instant Personal Loan - No CIBIL Check - Aadhaar/PAN Only." Desperate for funds, you download the app. It asks for permissions: Contacts, Gallery, SMS, Location. The moment you click "Allow", they steal your entire contact list and photos. This is the Data Heist.
2. The "7-Day" Trap Mechanics
Real loans have a tenure of months or years. Fake apps give you a "7-day tenure".
- The Deposit: You ask for ₹5,000. They deposit only ₹3,000 (deducting ₹2,000 as "Processing Fee").
- The Interest: After 6 days, they demand repayment of ₹5,000 or more.
- Effective Interest Rate: You pay ₹2,000 interest on ₹3,000 principal for 7 days. That is 3,500% Interest Per Year.
3. The Harassment Phase (Psychological Warfare)
If you are late by even one hour on the 7th day, the hell begins.
Abusive Calls
Agents call you from internet numbers (+92, +62) using filthy language.
Contact Shaming
They create a WhatsApp group with your parents, boss, and friends. They post your photo saying "This person is a thief/rapist/defaulter".
The "Morphed Photo" Nuke
They take your selfie, photoshop it onto a nude body, and send it to you. "Pay in 10 mins or I send this to all your contacts." This is illegal under IT Act Section 66E.
FinKinetic Pro Tip: The "RBI List" Check
Before downloading ANY loan app, go to the RBI Sachet Portal or check the list of Registered NBFCs. If the app's parent company is not on the RBI list, it is illegal. Google Play Store hosting does NOT mean an app is safe.
4. Immediate Action Plan (How to Fight Back)
Do not commit suicide. Do not sell your jewelry. You are a victim of cyber crime, not a criminal.
🚨 Emergency Protocol
Uninstall & Remove Access
Uninstall the app immediately. Go to Google Settings -> Connected Apps -> Remove Access. This stops them from stealing new data.
Go "Dark" on Phone
Put your phone on Airplane Mode. Remove your SIM card if possible. Activate "Block Unknown Calls" (Truecaller). Do not talk to them.
Inform Your Circle
Put a WhatsApp Status: "My phone has been hacked. If you receive any strange messages or photos asking for money, please ignore and report them. It is a scam." This kills their blackmail power.
File FIR at 1930
Visit cybercrime.gov.in. Report under "Financial Fraud". Upload screenshots of the threats.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will they come to my house? ▼
99% No. These apps operate from remote locations (often outside India or in hidden call centers). They rely on digital fear. They don't have physical agents.
Will this affect my CIBIL score? ▼
Most fake apps are NOT linked to CIBIL because they are illegal. However, some operate via shady NBFCs. Even if CIBIL is affected, your safety and dignity are more important than a score. You can dispute CIBIL entries later.
I paid them but they are asking again. Why? ▼
Because you marked yourself as a "paying victim". They know you are scared and have money. They will keep milking you until you stop paying.