How to Find a Licensed Money Lender in Singapore
If you need a loan to cover urgent expenses, it’s essential to find a licensed money lender in Singapore. The government regulates money lenders and sets standards for their operations to protect borrowers from unfair lending practices. The best way to determine whether a money lender is legitimate is by checking the registry of money lenders database online or by visiting their office to verify their licence. Once you’ve found a money lender, it’s also important to compare rates and loan terms to ensure you get the best deal.
Unlicensed money lenders and loan sharks are illegal in Singapore, and can be difficult to spot due to their hidden fees and aggressive debt collection methods. In fact, illegal money lending can lead to serious consequences, including a fine and jail time. Therefore, it’s crucial to borrow from only licensed money lenders in Singapore.
Licensed money lenders in Singapore must adhere to a set of guidelines outlined in the Moneylenders Act and must be registered with the Registry of Moneylenders. These guidelines are designed to protect borrowers from illegal activities like loan sharking, which involves charging high interest rates and using harassment tactics to collect repayment. Moreover, they cannot advertise their services on social media and must display their moneylender licence in their offices.
In addition to these requirements, licensed moneylenders must follow a code of conduct and practice good financial practices. They must also make sure their loan applications are assessed fairly and that they’re not lending more than the maximum allowed amount based on the borrower’s income bracket. Moreover, they must be transparent about their fees and charges, and provide detailed documentation before issuing the loan.
If you’re unable to pay your loan instalments, it’s important to contact your money lender immediately and request to renegotiate the repayment schedule. You can also request to lower the interest rate or reduce your monthly payment amounts. However, you should avoid extending your loan term as this will increase the total amount of interest you’ll have to pay and may disrupt your finances in the long run.
It’s also important to note that if you default on your loan, the licensed money lender is not supposed to harass you or cause damage to your property. This includes threatening, intimidating, or even stalking you. In addition, they can’t contact your family or friends unless you’re able to give them written permission.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that you are entitled to file a complaint against a licensed money lender in Singapore. In the event of an issue, you can contact the Moneylenders Association of Singapore (MAS) for assistance. They’ll be able to direct you to the appropriate authority based on your location and the type of dispute. In addition, they’ll help you file a claim against the lender if necessary. This will help to prevent the problem from getting worse and may even help you recover any lost funds.
