HIGH loan
Fake instant-loan app steals upfront fees then threatens you with your own contacts
A fake loan app downloaded via social media or SMS link promises instant approval with no CIBIL check. After you pay an upfront 'processing fee', the app harvests your contacts and photos to extort repayment.
Also known as: instant loan app scam, fake lending app, online loan fraud, predatory loan app
What to do right now
- 1 Verify that any lending app is RBI-authorised before downloading it
- 2 Never pay any fee before receiving the loan — legitimate lenders deduct charges from the disbursed amount
- 3 If already installed, uninstall the app immediately and revoke all permissions
- 4 If you installed any 'support' or 'server' or 'refund app' or remote-access app at the scammer's request (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, etc.), run free SeraphSecure (https://www.seraphsecure.com) to detect and remove it.
- 5 Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (national cyber helpline).
Was remote-access software installed?
If a scammer asked you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, or any remote-access app, your device may still be compromised.
Run SeraphSecure to detect and remove it →Got a website or job offer to check?
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Red flags
- ⚠ The app is not listed in the RBI's public directory of authorised digital lending apps
- ⚠ It demands access to your full contact list, camera, and storage before any loan is approved
- ⚠ Loan 'approval' requires paying a processing fee, GST, or insurance amount upfront before funds are disbursed
- ⚠ Fake recovery agents threaten to send morphed images to your contacts if you miss a payment