Can a loan app contact me on social media (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)?

Generally, no, they cannot contact you on social media for the purpose of debt collection, especially in a way that is public or could expose your debt to third parties. This practice is often called "loan shaming" and is explicitly forbidden under both the FCCPC's Digital Lending Regulations and the NDPA.

Any form of contact that is made to publicly shame, defame, or humiliate you is illegal. This includes:

• Posting on your Facebook timeline or in a public group.
• Commenting on your Instagram photos.
• Sending messages to your friends or family on WhatsApp to embarrass you.
• Creating a broadcast list on WhatsApp to send threatening messages .

A lender may use a verified business account on WhatsApp to send you a private message as a reminder, as this is similar to an SMS or email. However, the moment they contact your employer, your pastor, or your family members on any social media platform, they have crossed the legal line.

Example/Illustration:

• Illegal: A loan app agent goes to your Facebook profile and posts, "This person is a debtor who refuses to pay back a 10k loan. If you know them, tell them to pay up."
• Illegal: The agent sends a message to your aunt on WhatsApp Messenger saying, "Hello, your nephew owes us money. Tell him we will send his nude photo if he doesn't pay."
• What to do: Take screenshots of the entire interaction, including the profile that contacted you. This is primo facie evidence of illegal debt recovery, defamation, and a violation of your privacy. Report this immediately to the FCCPC and the police .