Handling Unwanted Calls from Online Lending Firm as an Unaware Reference in the Philippines

Question of The Day: In the Philippines, how can one handle receiving calls from an online lending firm regarding a co-worker's unsettled account, especially if they were used as a reference without their knowledge?

Introduction: Dealing with calls from a lending firm about a co-worker’s loan, particularly when you were listed as a reference without your consent, requires understanding your rights and the appropriate actions to take.

Legal and Practical Considerations:

1. Privacy Rights: In the Philippines, your privacy rights are protected under the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Being listed as a loan reference without your consent may constitute a violation of your privacy rights.

2. Communication with the Lending Firm: It’s important to clearly communicate with the lending firm that you did not consent to be a reference and request them to cease contacting you.

Steps to Take:

1. Inform the Lending Firm: Contact the lending firm and inform them that you were listed as a reference without your knowledge or consent. Politely request that they remove your contact information from their records and cease further calls to you.

2. Document the Calls: Keep a record of the calls or messages received, including dates, times, and the content of the communication. This documentation can be useful if legal action is necessary.

3. Speak to Your Co-worker: Inform your co-worker about the situation and request that they clarify the matter with the lending firm.

4. Report to Authorities: If the lending firm continues to contact you despite your request, consider reporting the matter to the National Privacy Commission (NPC), as this may be a breach of your privacy rights.

5. Legal Advice: If the situation escalates, seek legal advice to understand your options and rights under Philippine law.

Preventive Measures:

• Ensure your personal information is not used without your consent in the future.
• Be cautious about sharing personal contact information, especially in the workplace.

Conclusion: If you are receiving unwanted calls from a lending firm due to being listed as a reference for a co-worker’s loan without your consent, it’s important to inform the firm of the situation, document the calls, discuss the matter with your co-worker, and possibly report the issue to the NPC. Seeking legal advice may also be necessary if the situation does not resolve.