Can PalmPay Lock My Phone?

Last four years, Palmpay used to lock people’s phones as a measure to curb them into repaying their outstanding loans. But now, such act is not acceptable by Federal Competitive and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCFC) and the act has been completely eliminated in Nigeria.

When PalmPay was locking people’s phone, they use a security plugin called “PalmPay Security Plugin” to override the device and show this error message: “From Credit (OKCard): We haven’t received your full payment till now. We will coordinate with the legal department and report regarding your unsettled obligations. To avoid inconvenience and an increase in overdue interest, settle your outstanding amount. Watermark reminders will keep showing on your phone. You can apply for an extension in the PalmPay app. Any concerns, please add 08124125175 on WhatsApp.”

The security plug-in will be downloaded automatically on user’s device at the point of obtaining loan from the fintech app. The app will be encrypted and override borrower’s device immediately their loan dues.

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This PalmPay Lock affected Android users the most. The security plugin didn’t work on iOS devices. So, it’s either you are not offered loan if you’re usually iPhone then, or they start calling your contact if you don’t pay back the Loan.

Someone once asked in Apple discussion forum that can PalmPay lock him out of using his iPhone because of outstanding loans. “Can PalmPay lock my iPhone because of outstanding loan?” However, he got a response that “nope. No one can remotely access and disable your iPhone like that. They can probably send someone to re-possess it if you don't pay however.”

In a nutshell, PalmPay is no longer locking people’s phones because of outstanding loans. If you experience such bad act, or any similar ones like calling your contact list, report them to FCCFC immediately.