Can loan recovery agents threaten me?

No. Recovery agents cannot use threats, violence, or obscene language, or contact you before 8 AM or after 7 PM. Report violations to bank and RBI.

Under RBI's Fair Practices Code and guidelines on recovery agents, banks and NBFCs must ensure that recovery agents do not use intimidation, threats, violence, obscene language, or any illegal means for loan recovery. Agents cannot contact you before 8:00 AM or after 7:00 PM. They cannot visit your workplace without prior notice. They must carry proper identification and authorization letters. They cannot harass your family members, neighbours, or colleagues. If a recovery agent violates these rules: (1) Record the interaction as evidence, (2) File a written complaint with the bank's Grievance Officer, (3) File complaint with RBI Ombudsman at cms.rbi.org.in, (4) File a police complaint under BNS Section 351 (Criminal intimidation) if threatened, (5) File a consumer complaint. Banks are responsible for the actions of their recovery agents.

• RBI Fair Practices Code for Lenders
• BNS Section 351 (Criminal intimidation)
• Consumer Protection Act 2019