A loan application, Delinquent Loans, has ignited controversy by sharing the photos of 87 debtors online in an unconventional and bold move to recover unpaid loans.
The incident gained traction after a series of TikTok videos surfaced, revealing the photos.
In three separate videos, the app showcased the images of debtors, each captioned with the phrase “Please settle your loans.”
The videos, which began trending on Saturday, garnered significant attention and sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms.
The app’s method drew widespread criticism and discussion online, with users expressing varying opinions about the ethics and legality of the approach.
One user, King, identified as #KingSuleiman27 on X (formerly Twitter), remarked “Has anyone seen the video posted by a loan app featuring pictures of 87 debtors owing them? You better check it out to make sure your picture isn’t among them ooo!”
Prince Olugbade, who tweets as #latmos997, sarcastically suggested “As they don post their pictures, make them go collect the money from the general public wey view am, or post am for YouTube use the views settle the debt.”
Another user, FaVōuR™, writing as fhavourabia, criticized the app, saying “Actually, if we have a functioning government, these people should be sued for defamation.”
Agbalaka, identified as #CroBender, reflected on the dangers of borrowing from such institutions, noting “Taking money from shylocks comes with regrettable consequences.”
Some users focused on the broader consequences of loan defaults and public shaming. Smiles Ebony, tweeting as #smileebony, explained “There’s something all these people don’t understand. After you default on any loan, you will be reported to the credit bureau, and this will affect anyone.”
Others raised concerns about the fairness of the app’s actions. Emma, known as #Emmabest, highlighted the issue of mistaken identity and fraud “Most of these persons are not aware of this loan. Suddenly, they receive a call asking them to pay back the money they borrowed.”
The move by Delinquent Loans has sparked a heated debate about privacy rights, ethical boundaries, and the legality of public shaming as a debt recovery tactic.
While some defend the need for innovative measures to recover loans, others argue that such strategies infringe on personal rights and dignity.
The controversy raises critical questions about the balance between debt recovery and ethical business practices, leaving many to wonder if stricter regulations are needed to protect borrowers from similar public embarrassment.
