It is necessary to be aware that not all loan offers are legit. Nigeria, like anywhere else, has its fair share of people trying to trick you out of your hard-earned money. Here we are going to discuss in details how to spot and avoid falling into the traps of loan scams in Nigeria.
A loan scam refers to fraudulent schemes where individuals or entities pose as legitimate lenders to deceive borrowers. These scammers often promise quick and easy loans with attractive terms, but their intention is to extract upfront fees or personal information from unsuspecting individuals.
The scammers may use various tactics such as fake websites, unrealistic offers, and pressure tactics to exploit people in need of financial assistance, ultimately leaving them without the promised loan and potentially causing financial harm.
Here is how to spot and avoid loan scams in Nigeria:
1. Verify Lender Credentials
Before you borrow money from someone, make sure they’re the real deal. Legit lenders in Nigeria get the green light from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). You can check if a lender is legit by looking at the list of approved lenders on the CBN’s official website.
2. Too Good to Be True Offers
If a loan offer sounds too good to be true, it probably not legit. Scammers often entice individuals with promises of low interest rates and guaranteed approval, irrespective of credit history. Legitimate lenders assess borrowers’ creditworthiness and don’t make promises that seem unrealistic.
3. Upfront Fees
Legitimate lenders deduct fees from the loan amount disbursed, not upfront. Watch out if a lender asks you to pay money upfront for things like application fee, processing fee, or insurance fee before giving you the loan. That could be a sign something fishy is going on. Such requests are indicative of a potential scam.
4. Unprofessional Communication
Check how the lender talks to you. If their messages or emails have lots of mistakes or don’t sound professional, be careful, that’s a warning sign. Legitimate institutions maintain professional communication channels.
5. Pressure Tactics
Scammers often use pressure tactics, urging borrowers to act quickly to secure a loan. Legitimate lenders provide sufficient time for borrowers to review terms and conditions. If there’s undue urgency, it’s wise to step back and reconsider the legitimacy of the offer.
6. Secure Websites
Legitimate lenders prioritize the security of their websites. Before providing personal information, ensure that the website is secure. Look for “https://” in the URL and a green padlock icon in the address bar. Avoid entering sensitive information on websites lacking these security features.
7. Research Reviews and Feedback
Conduct thorough research by reading reviews and testimonials from other borrowers. Legitimate lenders will have a track record of positive reviews. If a lender has a history of complaints or lacks online presence, it’s advisable to exercise caution.
8. Physical Address and Contact Information
Legitimate lenders have a physical office address and verifiable contact information. Scammers often use generic email addresses and mobile numbers. Verify the existence of a physical office and contact the lender through official channels before proceeding.
Rounding up
To make sure you don’t get tricked when borrowing money in Nigeria, you need to be smart and careful. Check if the lender is legit, watch out for offers that seem too good to be true, don’t pay any fees upfront, and make sure they communicate properly. Do your homework, read reviews, and stay informed. Being cautious and staying skeptical will help you make safe choices with your money.