The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regularly issues cease-and-desist orders and suspension notices against illegal or predatory lending apps in the Philippines. This is the updated list as of March 2025, along with guidance on what to do if you have already borrowed from one of these apps.
- →12 apps currently under active SEC investigation or order as of March 2025
- →If you borrowed from a blacklisted app, you are still legally obligated to repay
- →Illegal collection tactics (harassment, public shaming) are violations under RA 9474
- →You can report illegal collection to the SEC, NPC, and BSP simultaneously
- →SEC issues new advisories regularly — bookmark this page for the latest updates
SEC Cease-and-Desist Orders — Active as of March 2025
These apps have received active SEC cease-and-desist orders. They are operating illegally in the Philippines.
| App Name | SEC Order | Reason | Date Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| PesoPocket | Cease & Desist | Unregistered, harassment collection | Jan 2025 |
| EasyCash PH | Cease & Desist | Unregistered operation | Feb 2025 |
| QuickPeso | Cease & Desist | Contact shaming, threats | Dec 2024 |
| LoanNow PH | Revoked CA | Multiple data privacy violations | Nov 2024 |
| FlashLoan | Cease & Desist | Unregistered lending | Oct 2024 |
| ZippyCash | Revoked CA | Harassment and illegal collection | Sep 2024 |
Apps Currently Under SEC Investigation (March 2025)
These 6 apps are under formal investigation. They may still be operating but face potential suspension.
- ⚠CashBee — Under investigation for undisclosed fee structure (Investigation No. 2025-018)
- ⚠KwikLoan — Under investigation for contact list access misuse (Investigation No. 2025-024)
- ⚠PesoExpress — Under review for APR disclosure violations (Investigation No. 2024-195)
- ⚠EasyMoney PH — Under investigation for collection harassment complaints (Investigation No. 2025-009)
- ⚠SpeedCash — Under review for lack of physical address and customer service (Investigation No. 2025-031)
- ⚠JuanCash — Under investigation for data privacy violations and NPC non-compliance (Investigation No. 2024-208)
What To Do If You Borrowed From a Blacklisted App
If you have an active loan with a blacklisted lender, follow these steps.
- ✓Step 1: Document everything. Screenshot all loan agreements, payment history, and any communication with the lender.
- ✓Step 2: Continue repaying your loan. A blacklisted lender does not mean you are not obligated to pay — failure to repay can still affect your credit history.
- ✓Step 3: Report any harassment immediately to the NPC (info@privacy.gov.ph) and SEC (operationsgroup@sec.gov.ph).
- ✓Step 4: If contacted by collectors using illegal tactics, state clearly on record: "I am documenting this communication for SEC and NPC complaint purposes."
- ✓Step 5: Seek legal advice from IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines) if you are being threatened or harassed — initial legal consultations are often free.
How to Report Illegal Lending Apps
Report illegal lenders to these three government agencies simultaneously for maximum impact.
- SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department: operationsgroup@sec.gov.ph — for unregistered lenders and CA violations
- National Privacy Commission: info@privacy.gov.ph — for contact list access, data privacy violations, and shaming
- BSP Financial Consumer Protection: consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph — if lender is BSP-supervised
- Include in your complaint: App name, screenshots of loan agreement, screenshots of any harassment, your full name and contact number, and a brief description of the violation
- Google Play / App Store: Report the app directly — this helps remove dangerous apps from distribution
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Disclaimer: ClearLoan PH provides financial information for comparison purposes only. We are not a lender, bank, or financial advisor. APR figures, Risk Scores, and SEC registration status are verified at the time of publication but may change. Always verify directly with the lender before applying. Some links on this page may be affiliate links.
