Communicate in writing
Tell each lender about your situation, request a current statement and propose a realistic plan. A requested extension is not automatically granted.
Know your rights. Take informed action.
Financial hardship does not, by itself, amount to a criminal offence. Borrowers remain responsible for lawful debt repayment and can challenge intimidation and abusive collection conduct.
Keep a complete loan register
Record the actual lender/NBFC, digital platform, KFS, APR, net disbursement, due date and charges.
Preserve evidence
Retain call logs, messages, threats, visit details and evidence of any third-party contact.
Verify recovery representatives
Request identity and lender authorisation. Do not share OTPs or sensitive documents with unverified callers.
Use official complaint channels
Escalate to the lender grievance officer, RBI CMS if eligible, and police/cybercrime channels for threats or suspected offences.
Manage calls without losing records
Enable phone spam filters and block abusive numbers, but retain a reliable official channel for genuine communications.
Important: RBI recovery-agent instructions for regulated entities restrict intimidation, public humiliation, persistent abusive contact and calls before 8 AM or after 7 PM. These rules do not prohibit all lawful recovery contact.