Beware of Digital Loan Apps: Safeguarding Your Financial Health

By
Aamir Shah

Loan Apps: Digital Scourge

Technology has brought convenience to our fingertips, making tasks like shopping, socializing, and even managing finances easier than ever before. While this convenience is a blessing, it can also be a problem if not used wisely. These days one of the biggest concerns is the rise of digital loan sharks in Pakistan.

‍What are Loan Apps?

In current times with rampant inflation, a lot of people are feeling squeezed. Loan Apps are mobile apps which give small loans to people with little or no paperwork. Recent reports in the news have shown how common such mobile apps are in Pakistan, offering quick loans with high interest rates and  aggressive collection tactics. These phone apps might look helpful when you're in trouble, but they can turn into a problem that keeps families stuck in a cycle of owing money.

How to save yourself from Loan Apps?

Digital Loan Apps

Understand the risks:

These loan apps may promise instant cash with minimal paperwork, but they often come with skyhigh interest rates that can lead to a debt spiral. Many users have fallen victim to their predatory practices, facing harassing calls, threats, and even blackmail when they struggle to repay the loans. For vulnerable groups like housewives, these threats can be particularly distressing, impacting not only their own well-being but also that of their families.

Know there is little to no Government regulations:

The issue is that these phone apps for borrowing money aren't watched closely enough by regulators. Because they aren't closely watched, bad lenders can do whatever they want and take advantage of people who really need money.

Research and educate yourself:

Before using any financial app on your mobile phone, conduct thorough research. Search on the internet, read reviews on Facebook and also look for reviews of the app itself on Google Play or App store. Always remember to seek recommendations from friends and family, and understand the terms and conditions of any kinds of loans more thoroughly before signing up.

Try to save money bit by bit before thinking about borrowing:

Explore alternative financial solutions such as saving money through committees, ask around in your immediate social circle friends and family can often lend you some money. If you are set for borrowing try looking up microfinance institutions, or banks.

Financial Literacy: 

Teach yourself and your family about money words like interest, markup, and main amount.. Educate them so they make wise financial decisions and avoid falling into debt traps.

Report Suspicious Activities:

If you come across any suspicious mobile apps or experience aggressive collection tactics, report them to the relevant authorities like FIA and even share your experience on Facebook review groups.

Remember, our financial well-being is an important aspect of our family's overall financial health and happiness. By staying vigilant and informed, we can navigate the digital landscape safely and ensure a brighter future for our loved ones.

Let's team up to protect our families from tricky online lenders. Your money safety is important, and if we work together, we can make money matters safer for everyone.

‍Stay informed, stay empowered!

‍Read More at
https://insights.datadarbar.io/inside-pakistans-exploitative-loan-apps/
https://insights.datadarbar.io/will-pakistan-finally-rein-in-nano-lenders/
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/other/pakistan-targets-predatory-loan-apps-after-client-s-suicide/ar-AA1e2csj

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