(Bukit Mertajam, 10th) A man who borrowed $250 from an online loan shark in Singapore was shocked to find that he had to repay $400 the next day. Having been away from home for over ten years, he chose to ignore the debt. This led to harassment from loan sharks who targeted his family. They showed up at their house, throwing red paint on their car and frightening three elderly residents, aged around 80 to 90, living there.
The loan shark also threatened that if the money was not returned after he threw paint, he would go to his relative’s homes one by one and set fire to their houses.
The loan shark also sent a message to the borrower’s elderly mother through the WhatsApp application on his mobile phone, “If I can’t get the money, I guarantee that anyone who is related to you by blood will suffer a loss 10 times more serious than this amount!”
The borrower’s younger brother, Mr Huang (44 years old, e-hailing driver), went to the Bukit Mertajam police station to report the case today accompanied by the Bukit Mertajam Youth Group chief Chen Yang Bang and later held a press conference.
Mr. Huang said that every wrong has its perpetrator and he hoped that the loan shark would stop harassing his family. Besides, the house in Jaya Garden is currently occupied by his three elderly aunts.
Hs said that the online loan shark had his and his mother’s identity information and even his father who had passed away many years ago. After the loan shark ran errands and splashed red paint, he also posted his brother’s identity information on the iron door of the house and said that if he want to make payment he must contact a person with a Singapore phone number.
“My family asked my brother and he admitted that he borrowed $250 online on the 5th of that month, but the next day he told the loan shark that he didn’t want to borrow anymore. However, the loan shark said that the money had been transferred into the account and he had to pay back $400 on that day. My brother just ignored it and blocked the loan shark.”
“The loan shark also questioned my brother via WhatsApp why reported the case to the Johor police station. Don’t think he will be afraid if he ask a police officer to contact him!”
Mr Huang hopes that the online loan shark will stop harassing his family.
Chen Yang Bang hopes the public not to borrow money from illegal online sources or loan sharks. He advises that anyone needing a online loan should go through formal channels like banks or licensed moneylenders to protect their families from the potential dangers and harassment associated with unregulated lending.
Article source: SIN CHEW DAILY. Read more here.
Image source: Google Images.
If you are looking for a licensed money lender, check out our list of licensed money lenders and our money lender reviews to find the money lender that suits your needs. We will constantly update our list of licensed money lenders to provide you with maximum convenience.