25 Mar
25Mar

Here are the step-by-step guide based in dealing with harassment from online debt collectors: 


  • Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the laws protecting consumers in the Philippines. Understand what debt collectors are allowed and not allowed to do under these laws. 

  • Document Everything: Keep thorough records of all communications with the debt collector, including emails, text messages, and phone calls. Note down the date, time, content, and any threats or abusive language used by the collector.

  • Verify the Debt: Ask the debt collector for validation of the debt. They are required to provide evidence that the debt is valid and that you owe it. Request this validation in writing and keep a copy for your records.

  • Communicate Firmly but Politely: If you believe the collector is harassing you, clearly and calmly inform them that their behavior is unacceptable and violates Philippine consumer protection laws. State that you are aware of your rights as a consumer and expect them to comply with the law.

  • Request Cease and Desist: Under applicable law, you have the right to request that the harassing debt collector stop contacting you. Send a formal letter via registered mail with the company they are representing by requesting that they cease all communication regarding the debt. Once they receive this letter, they should only contact you to acknowledge receipt or to inform you of legal action or the formal process process of collection.

  • File a Complaint: If the harassment persists despite your efforts to address it directly with the debt collector or the company, you can file a complaint with the appropriate government agency or you can report abusive debt collection practices to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

  • Seek Legal Advice: If the situation escalates or if you believe your rights have been violated, consider seeking legal advice from a lawyer specializing in consumer protection law. They can provide guidance on your specific situation and help you take legal action if necessary.

  • Protect Your Credit: If the debt is valid and you’re able to, consider negotiating a payment plan or settlement directly with the creditor. This can help resolve the debt without further harassment and minimize any negative impact on your credit rating.


Also, consumers in the Philippines are safeguarded by various laws and regulations to ensure fair and transparent practices between lenders and borrowers. Here are some key aspects of lending rights in the Philippines:


  1. Truth in Lending Act (Republic Act No. 3765): This law requires lenders to disclose important terms and conditions of the loan agreement to borrowers, including the total amount financed, the annual percentage rate (APR), finance charges, and repayment terms. The goal is to ensure transparency and enable borrowers to make informed decisions.

  2. Fair Debt Collection Practices: Lenders must adhere to fair debt collection practices outlined in laws such as the Consumer Act of the Philippines and related regulations. This includes prohibiting harassment, abusive practices, or unfair treatment of borrowers during debt collection activities.

  3. Usury Laws: Usury laws regulate the maximum interest rates that lenders can charge on loans to prevent exploitation of borrowers. Violations of usury laws may result in penalties for lenders, and borrowers have the right to challenge excessively high interest rates.

  4. Responsible Lending Practices: Lenders are expected to engage in responsible lending practices, which involve assessing the borrower's ability to repay the loan and providing suitable loan products that match the borrower's financial situation and needs. This helps prevent over-indebtedness and financial hardship among borrowers.

  5. Consumer Protection Agencies: Government agencies such as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) oversee lending activities and enforce regulations to protect consumers from unfair lending practices.

  6. Complaint Mechanisms: Borrowers have the right to file complaints with relevant government agencies or regulatory bodies if they encounter issues with lenders, such as unfair treatment, deceptive practices, or violations of lending laws and regulations.

  7. Credit Information Systems Act (Republic Act No. 9510): This law regulates credit reporting agencies and establishes mechanisms for the collection, dissemination, and use of credit information to promote responsible lending and protect consumers from credit-related abuses.


 Remember that under Philippine law, debt collectors are required to adhere to certain guidelines and are prohibited from engaging in abusive or harassing behavior. 

Don’t hesitate to assert your rights and take action if you feel you’re being treated unfairly.

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