TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Financial Services Authority (OJK) shared six tips for the public to stay alert before taking a loan via online or financial technology (fintech) companies, following the rampant of online loan cases.

1. Make sure the online lending firm has the permit and is registered in OJK. “Check the legal status of the fintech company through OJK Call Center 157 or OJK official website,” as quoted from OJK site, Thursday, December 13.

2. OJK underlines the fund should be used for productive needs, instead of consumption, and that the loan should not exceed 30 percent from the income. Consideration of other installments that must be paid is also required.

3. Pay the installment on time to prevent huge fines. Make a reminder or mark your calendar.

Read: OJK Urges Victims of Illegal Online Loans to File Police Reports

4. Do not pay your loan with another loan. Prioritize your salary to pay the installment.

5. Understand the interest and fines before taking a loan. “Study and survey the interest and fines that a fintech firm offers in advance,” OJK noted. Make sure to choose the lowest rate of interest and fine as to reduce the installment.

6. Understand the agreement contract. Would-be lenders must comprehensively read the deal and make inquiries on unclear subjects.

Responding to many public complaints regarding the harsh practice of debt collector, OJK prohibited administrators of online lending firm to access lender’s contact number, photos, and personal information from their phones.

The fintech company is also obliged to meet all requirements ruled in OJK Regulation (POJK) No. 77/2016 and No. 18/2018 on consumer protection in the financial sector.

OJK will also take stern action towards peer to peer lending (P2P) fintech that is proved to have violated the policy. Further, OJK through Investment Task Force Unit carried out several measures to cut off services of illegal online loan firms.

CAESAR AKBAR