How to Complain to RBI About Loan Harassment (2025 Guide for Borrowers)

You missed a couple of EMIs. Suddenly, your phone won’t stop buzzing. Unknown numbers. Threatening tone. Maybe an “agent” shows up at work (not okay) or calls your relatives (also not okay). Take a breath. You’re not powerless. This guide explains how to complain to RBI about loan harassment—step by step—so you can push back legally and effectively.

This isn’t theory. It’s a practical, walk-through built for borrowers who need help now. You’ll learn what counts as harassment, how to document it, the exact complaint flow, the documents to attach, and what outcomes to expect. We’ll also clear up myths (no, default doesn’t mean jail) and share a ready template you can modify and file.

Learn more: RBI guidelines for recovery

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Table of Contents

Why You Should Know How to Complain to RBI About Loan Harassment

Let’s be real: lenders are allowed to recover dues. But harassment is not part of the deal. In India, there are clear conduct rules for recovery—timings, tone, privacy, and identification. When those lines are crossed, you have the right to complain.

What counts as harassment?

Calls outside acceptable hours (night/early morning).
Abusive or threatening language.
Repeated calls meant to intimidate.
Disclosing your debt to neighbors, employer, or family.
Showing up in groups, shaming tactics, or trespassing.
Misusing your contacts or photos (common with shady apps).

If any of the above rings a bell, keep reading.

Before You Complain to RBI About Loan Harassment

You’ll get faster outcomes when you follow a structured path:

1) Start documenting immediately
Create a harassment log the moment behavior turns ugly. Record:

Date/time of each call/visit.
Number used, caller’s name, and what was said.
Screenshots of messages/WhatsApp.
Audio recordings (where legal).
Copies of notices/letters.

2) Tell the lender to stop harassment—on record
Write a calm, factual email to the lender’s official grievance address. Ask for:

All recovery contact to be within permitted hours.
Only authorized representatives with ID to contact you.
All further communications in writing.
A named grievance officer and complaint number.

3) Offer a way forward
If you want to settle/restructure, say so. Propose repayment terms. This shows good faith and strengthens your case.

How to Complain to RBI About Loan Harassment: The 3-Step Flow

Step 1: File a written complaint with your lender (Day 0)

Email the bank/NBFC grievance cell.
Attach your harassment log and evidence.
Ask for a complaint/ticket number.

Step 2: Wait for the lender’s response (Up to ~30 days)

Save all replies.
Keep adding to your harassment log if new incidents happen.

Step 3: Escalate to the RBI Ombudsman (After lender window)

If ignored, rejected, or harassment continues → file with RBI.
Submit clean documentation, complaint history, and evidence.

What to Include in Your Complaint to RBI

Cover letter (template below).
Identity proof (masked copy if preferred).
Loan/credit card number (mask partially in open text).
Proof you complained to lender first.
Harassment log (dates, times, summaries).
Screenshots/audio transcripts.
Clear ask (stop harassment, apology, restructure options).

Sample Complaint Template

Subject: Harassment by Recovery Agents — Request for Immediate Redressal (Account No. XXXX)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to report harassment by your recovery agents in connection with my [loan/credit card] Account No. [XXXX]. Despite my willingness to discuss repayment options, I have been receiving calls/messages that violate fair-practice norms, including:
– Repeated calls beyond acceptable hours
– Threatening/abusive tone
– Disclosure to third parties

I have attached a Harassment Log with dates, times, phone numbers, and summaries. Screenshots and call records are also enclosed.

I request you to:

Cease all harassing behavior.

Provide the name and official email of your authorized contact.

Consider restructuring/settlement options.

Kindly acknowledge this complaint and share a ticket/complaint number. If unresolved, I will escalate to the RBI Ombudsman.

Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact]
[City]
[Date]
Attachments: Harassment Log (PDF), Screenshots, Email trail

How to Format Your Harassment Log

Date & Time: 03 Oct 2025, 7:42 pm
Number/Agent Name: +91-98XXXXXX / “Ravi”
What happened: Called after 7 p.m., threatened to call my boss.
Evidence: Screenshot/recording saved.

Free Harassment Log Tracker
Don’t just tolerate harassment. Start recording every call, visit, and threat with our Free Borrower-Friendly Harassment Log Tracker. It’s the first step to filing a strong complaint.
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What Happens After You Complain to RBI About Loan Harassment

Possible outcomes:

Harassment ordered to stop immediately.
Communications routed through official channel.
Apology/assurance from lender.
Settlement/restructuring path.

Do’s and Don’ts

Keep everything in writing.
Maintain a disciplined log.
Offer reasonable repayment options.

Don’t

Argue with agents on calls.
Hand over cash.
Ignore legal notices.

FAQs About Complaining to RBI

Q1) Can I go to jail for defaulting?
No. Default is a civil matter unless fraud is proven.

Q2) Can agents call my employer?
No. Disclosing debt to third parties is prohibited.

Q3) Can I record calls?
Yes, recordings you’re part of are valid evidence.

Q4) What if the bank ignores me?
Escalate with proof. Ignored emails become evidence.

Q5) Do these rules apply to loan apps?
Yes. Harassment is not allowed.

Checklist for Borrowers

Start a harassment log.
File a grievance with lender.
Collect proof (screenshots, calls).
Escalate to RBI Ombudsman if unresolved.
Don’t pay in cash, don’t share OTPs.

Conclusion: How to Complain to RBI About Loan Harassment

Harassment is not recovery. When agents cross the line—odd hours, threats, shaming—you don’t argue; you document and escalate.

You now know exactly how to complain to RBI about loan harassment: keep clean records, give the lender a chance, and then escalate with confidence.

You’re not powerless. You have rights. Use them.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general awareness and is based on borrower-protection norms commonly applied in India. It is not case-specific legal advice. Every borrower’s situation is unique; for complex cases, consider professional guidance.

About the Author

Mr Sharma is a Loan Settlement Consultant helping borrowers manage defaults, negotiate fair settlements, and protect themselves from harassment. His mission is to empower borrowers with knowledge and practical tools so they never feel helpless in front of recovery agents. He can be reached via WhatsApp at 9106484927 for paid consultation.