
Many loan apps in Nigeria require access to your contacts before you can be approved for a loan. This is because they use your contact list to verify your identity and assess your creditworthiness. However, some people may be uncomfortable with this requirement and may want to block loan apps from accessing their contacts. Here are some ways to do so:
DISABLE CONTACT PERMISSIONS.
You can disable contact permissions for loan apps by going to your phone’s settings and selecting “Apps & notifications”. From there, select the loan app you want to block and click on “Permissions”. You can then disable the app’s access to your contacts. However, this may prevent you from being approved for a loan, as loan apps often require access to your contacts for verification purposes.
USE A VIRTUAL PHONE NUMBER.
Another way to block loan apps from accessing your contacts is to use a virtual phone number. This is a phone number that is not tied to your personal information and can be used for verification purposes. You can get a virtual phone number from various providers, such as Google Voice, Burner, or Hushed. You can then use this phone number when applying for loans, instead of providing your phone number.
USE A PRIVACY APP.
There are various privacy apps available that can help you protect your personal information, including your contacts. These apps work by blocking loan apps from accessing your contacts and other sensitive information. Examples of privacy apps include Norton App Lock, AppLock, and Keepsafe App Lock.
MANAGE APP PERMISSIONS
You can also manage app permissions on your phone by going to your phone’s settings and selecting “Apps & notifications”. From there, you can view the permissions that each app has and disable any permissions that you don’t want the app to have. This can help you prevent loan apps from accessing your contacts, as well as other sensitive information.
USE A DIFFERENT LOAN PROVIDER.
If you are uncomfortable with loan apps accessing your contacts, you can choose a loan provider that does not require contact access. Various loan providers in Nigeria do not require contact access, such as Branch, FairMoney, and Carbon. You can do your research and choose a loan provider that meets your needs and preferences.
There are a lot of various ways to block loan apps from accessing your contacts. However, it is important to note that loan apps require access to your contacts for verification purposes, and blocking this access may prevent you from being approved for a loan. It is also important to choose a reputable loan provider that protects your personal information and adheres to regulatory requirements
While it is understandable that some people may want to block loan apps from accessing their contacts, it is important to remember that loan providers need to verify the identity and creditworthiness of borrowers to mitigate risks associated with lending. This is why many loan apps require access to contacts and other personal information.
If you are uncomfortable with loan apps accessing your contacts, you can consider using alternative methods of identity verification. For example, some loan providers may allow you to verify your identity using your National ID card or driver’s license.
It is also important to read the terms and conditions of loan apps and other financial services carefully before agreeing to provide access to your contacts or other personal information. This can help you understand how your data will be used and ensure that you are comfortable with the terms of service.
In the end, blocking loan apps from accessing your contacts may not be the best solution, as it can prevent you from accessing loans and other financial services. However, if you are uncomfortable with this requirement, there are various methods you can use to protect your personal information while still accessing the financial services you need.
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