How to Lodge a Complaint Against a Licensed Moneylender in Singapore
11/8/26
8 minutes read
By: Joey Chong
Key Takeaways
You may complain to the Registry of Moneylenders about a licensed moneylender for unfair practices, contract issues or potential offences. Submit relevant evidence, including the Note of Contract, receipts, account statements, advertisements and messages. If debt collection involves harassment, threats, violence or vandalism, lodge a Police report as well as informing the Registry. Possible unlicensed moneylending should be reported to the Police. The Registry states that it will not disclose your details to the licensed moneylender without your consent. However, making a complaint does not automatically cancel a valid loan or pause repayment obligations.
If you need to complain about licensed moneylender Singapore conduct, start by identifying what happened, preserving the evidence and choosing the correct authority. A clear, factual report is easier to assess than a general allegation without dates or documents.
When Should You Complain About a Moneylender?
Not every disagreement proves wrongdoing. Nevertheless, question conduct that conflicts with your contract, the Registry’s borrower guidance or licensed-moneylending protections.
Examples that may justify a complaint include:
- asking you to sign a blank or incomplete Note of Contract;
- failing to explain the loan terms in a language you understand or provide a contract copy;
- retaining your NRIC, passport, work pass, driving licence, ATM card or another identity document;
- requesting your Singpass, internet-banking, email or other account password;
- withholding part of the principal beyond a permitted administrative-fee deduction;
- charging interest or fees that appear to exceed regulatory limits;
- refusing to issue a receipt for a repayment or provide required statements;
- using abusive, threatening or violent debt-collection conduct; or
- soliciting loans through prohibited channels such as SMS, WhatsApp, calls, email or social media.
Review BST Credit’s guide to borrower rights in Singapore if you are unsure which protection may apply.
Choose the Correct Complaint Route
The appropriate route depends on the business involved and the conduct reported. Verify the lender’s registered name, approved office, landline and website against the Registry’s official list of licensed moneylenders.
| Problem | Where to report it | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Unfair practice, contract issue or potential offence by a licensed moneylender | Registry of Moneylenders | Provide documents supporting the loan transaction and complaint |
| Harassment, threats, violence or vandalism during debt recovery | Singapore Police Force and Registry of Moneylenders | Prioritise safety and preserve evidence only where safe |
| Suspected loan shark, loan scam or unlicensed moneylending | Singapore Police Force | Do not transfer money or continue communicating with the sender |
| Repayment difficulty without alleged misconduct | Lender, lawyer or suitable social service agency | The Registry cannot negotiate a private restructuring arrangement |
A collector visiting a residence or workplace is not automatically committing an offence. Lenders may take reasonable recovery steps, including requesting payment or commencing legal action. However, report vandalism, violence and threatening conduct to the Police.
Step 1: Protect Yourself and Preserve Evidence
If you face immediate danger, move to safety and contact the Police. Do not confront a collector to obtain evidence. Preserve original records and create submission copies.
Useful evidence may include:
- the Note of Contract and repayment schedule;
- receipts, bank-transfer records and statements of account;
- screenshots of messages, call logs, emails and advertisements;
- photographs or video captured lawfully and safely;
- the lender’s business name, licence number, contact numbers and approved address;
- names or descriptions of people involved;
- medical, repair or Police records where relevant; and
- contact details for witnesses who agree to be contacted.
Keep original files. Do not crop out the sender, date, time or surrounding conversation.
Step 2: Write a Clear Timeline
Prepare a chronological account before completing the complaint form. For every incident, record the date, time, location, person or number involved, what happened and the evidence attached.
Submit Your Details to Proceed
Use specific facts. Identify the payment date and receipt number rather than writing only that the balance is wrong. For a disputed fee, state the principal, due date, amount charged and relevant contract clause. Separate personal observations from information supplied by others.
State the outcome sought, such as an investigation, corrected payment record or written account of charges. This helps define the dispute.
Step 3: Lodge the Complaint With the Registry
The Registry’s current borrower guidance allows a complainant to lodge a report online or contact the Registry at 1800-2255-529. Access the form through an official government page rather than an unsolicited message.
- Identify the lender. Use its registered business name and licence details, not only a trading name or collector’s number.
- Describe each issue. Present the events in date order and refer to the supporting document for each point.
- Upload relevant evidence. Include complete, readable copies and retain the originals.
- Provide reliable contact details. Registry officers may request further information, documents or an interview.
- Keep the submission record. Save any reference number, confirmation and later correspondence.
The Registry states that it takes complaints seriously and investigates them thoroughly. It also states that it will not disclose a complainant’s details to the licensed moneylender without consent. Answer follow-up questions accurately and notify the officer if important new evidence emerges.
Step 4: Make a Police Report When Appropriate
Make a Police report in addition to informing the Registry if debt collection involves harassment, threats, violence or vandalism. Provide the same clear timeline and supporting materials, including any Registry reference available.
Suspected unlicensed moneylending requires a different response. Do not treat a sender as licensed merely because it uses a genuine lender’s name, logo or licence number. Loan solicitations through WhatsApp, SMS, calls or social media may involve impersonation or unlawful advertising. Report possible unlicensed activity through the Police’s official channels. BST Credit’s comparison of licensed moneylenders and loan sharks explains common warning signs.
What Happens After You Submit a Complaint?
An officer may contact you for clarification, more documents or an interview. Keep communications factual and respond within any stated deadline. Do not delete loan records after submitting the report.
A report does not itself prove wrongdoing. For an alleged unfair practice, the Registry notes that a borrower may consider Court action under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. A Court may set aside a loan transaction found to be exorbitant or substantially unfair. Obtain legal advice before commencing proceedings.
Continue Managing the Loan Separately
A complaint does not automatically cancel a valid contract, erase the outstanding balance or stop interest and late charges. Continue paying any undisputed amount when required, unless a lawyer or competent authority advises otherwise. Keep receipts for every payment.
If you cannot afford the schedule, contact the lender in writing and propose a realistic arrangement. The Registry cannot negotiate or restructure private loans for borrowers. You may negotiate directly or through a lawyer or suitable social service agency. See BST Credit’s practical guide for borrowers unable to repay a licensed moneylender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I complain about a licensed moneylender in Singapore?
You may lodge a report with the Registry of Moneylenders using its official online form or contact the Registry at 1800-2255-529. Provide evidence supporting the loan transaction and the conduct reported.
Will the Registry tell the moneylender who complained?
The Registry states that it will not disclose your details to the licensed moneylender without your consent. You should still provide accurate contact details so officers can seek further information or arrange an interview.
Should I make a Police report about debt collection?
Make a Police report if debt collection involves harassment, threats, violence or vandalism, and inform the Registry as well. A visit to a home or workplace is not automatically an offence, as the facts and conduct matter.
What evidence should I include with my complaint?
Include the contract, repayment schedule, receipts, statements, bank records, advertisements, messages and a dated timeline. Add photographs, witness details or Police records where relevant and safely obtained.
Does complaining cancel my moneylender loan?
No. A complaint does not automatically cancel a valid contract or suspend repayment obligations. Continue managing the debt separately and obtain legal advice if you dispute the contract or need guidance on payments.
Report the Right Issue Through the Right Channel
A well-prepared complaint identifies the genuine lender, explains each event in order and connects every allegation to reliable evidence. Use the Registry for complaints about licensed moneylenders and add a Police report where harassment, threats, violence, vandalism or suspected unlicensed activity is involved. Keep managing any valid repayment obligation while the matter is assessed.
Before borrowing, review BST Credit’s licensed moneylenders in Singapore guide and verify the lender through the official Registry list. If you have compared alternatives, confirmed that repayments fit your budget and decide a loan may be suitable, you can apply for a loan with BST Credit. Approval, amount, rates and terms remain subject to eligibility, supporting documents, an affordability assessment and face-to-face identity verification at the approved office.
Joey Chong
Joey loves asking questions about why things work the way they do. This trait has served her well. During her decade-long career as a media strategist, she discovered she had a knack for writing and design and continues to employ that to her advantage. She loves watching horror movies on Netflix.
11/8/26
8 minutes read
By: Joey Chong
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