One of the most terrifying tactics used by Nigerian loan apps like LCredit, OKash, GoCash, and SokoLoan is their ability to access your contact list and use it to shame you. Many borrowers live in fear of their friends, family, or bosses receiving defamatory messages.
This has led to one big question online:
“Can I truly clear loan apps from accessing my contacts?”
In this post, we’ll break down what these apps really access, the viral “fake contact” method, and whether switching Google accounts actually protects you. You’ll also learn what works—and what doesn’t.
What Loan Apps Access When You Install Them
When you download a loan app and agree to permissions (often without reading), you give them access to:
- 📞 Your entire contact list
- 📍 Your location
- 📷 Your camera and photos
- 📲 Your SMS messages
- 🗃️ Your device storage and files
Even worse, some apps access contacts automatically without full user awareness, especially if permissions were granted during install.
So when they threaten to “message your contacts,” they’re not bluffing—they already have them.
The Viral “Fake Contact Injection” Method: Does It Work?
You’ve probably heard this trick online. Here’s how it works:
How People Do It:
- Back up your real contacts to Google Contacts.
- Create a new Google account.
- Save 200+ fake/random numbers into the new account.
- Switch your phone’s contact sync to the fake account.
- Open each loan app again to “sync” fake contacts.
- Uninstall the app.
- Restore your original Google account.
✅ Pros:
- Adds confusion to the loan app database
- May reduce how many real people they target
- Gives you a feeling of control
❌ Cons:
- It does not delete the original contact data already taken
- Some loan apps don’t need to re-sync once they’ve already accessed your phone
- Tedious and not 100% reliable
- Some apps send messages directly from cloud servers—not based on current contact list
“I tried the fake contact trick. It worked for one app, but LCredit still contacted people I hadn’t spoken to in years.” – Ada, Lagos
Removing Google Contacts & Switching Accounts
Another common method is:
- Removing the Google account linked to your real contacts
- Adding a fresh Google account with no synced contacts
- Denying all contact permissions to loan apps
This method offers some level of protection—especially before installing any loan apps. But for existing apps, it’s often too late.
Why?
- Most loan apps copy your contact data at first launch
- They don’t need continuous access to continue harassing your network
- Removing the Google account won’t erase what they’ve already stored on their servers
Myths vs Reality: What Works, What Doesn’t
| Tip | Truth |
|---|---|
| “If I uninstall the app, they can’t access my data.” | ❌ False. They already downloaded it. |
| “If I add 200 fake contacts, they won’t find my real ones.” | ❌ Half-true. They may still have your real list. |
| “Using another Google account makes me invisible.” | ❌ Too late if the loan app is already installed. |
| “Denying permissions helps.” | ✅ Yes, but only before opening the app. |
| “There’s a way to delete your data from their server.” | ❌ Not likely. Most apps operate illegally. |
✅ What Actually Works: Best Practices
Here’s how to protect your contacts moving forward:
1. Never Grant Permissions to Loan Apps
If you haven’t installed any yet, don’t. If you do, deny contact, storage, and SMS access when prompted.
2. Use App Cloning or Secondary Phones
Borrow only on phones without your personal data—or use a second phone with no contact list.
3. File a Complaint
Report any loan app that accesses your data to:
- FCCPC via https://www.fccpc.gov.ng/
- Google Play Store (leave a 1-star review and report)
4. Send a Preemptive Disclaimer
Let your contacts hear from you first. Use this tool:
👉 Create Your Own Disclaimer Message
Final Verdict: Can You Truly Block Access?
No, not fully.
Once a loan app has accessed your contacts, there’s no guaranteed way to take that data back.
However:
- You can confuse their system
- You can limit future access
- And you can protect your reputation by informing your contacts before they strike
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