How Do You Complain About a Licensed Moneylender in Singapore?

Yannie Woon 04 August 2026

Key Takeaways

• You may report unfair practices, contract disputes or potential offences involving a licensed moneylender to the Registry of Moneylenders.
• Prepare documents such as your loan contract, repayment receipts, account statements, messages and a clear timeline of events.
• The Registry may request further information or arrange an interview while investigating the complaint.
• If debt collection involves harassment, threats, violence or vandalism, lodge a police report in addition to informing the Registry.
• The Registry investigates possible misconduct but does not negotiate or restructure private loan contracts for borrowers.

Licensed moneylenders in Singapore must comply with the applicable moneylending laws, licence conditions and directions issued by the Registrar of Moneylenders. Borrowers should receive clear information about their loan, a copy of the contract, repayment receipts and regular statements of account.

If you believe a lender has acted improperly, you do not have to ignore the problem. You can raise the matter with the lender, report it to the Registry of Moneylenders or contact the Police where the conduct may involve harassment or another possible criminal offence.

This guide explains how to complain about a licensed moneylender in Singapore, which complaint channel to use and what evidence may help support your report.

When Can You Complain About a Licensed Moneylender?

The Registry accepts complaints concerning unfair practices, contract issues and potential offences. Examples of conduct that may justify a complaint include:

• The lender did not explain the loan terms in a language you understand
• You were not given a copy of the loan contract
• You were asked to sign a blank or incomplete contract
• The lender retained your NRIC, passport, work pass, ATM card or another identification document
• You were asked to provide your Singpass password, banking password or authentication code
• The amount disbursed or recorded does not match the agreed loan
• Interest, fees or late charges appear inconsistent with the contract or statutory limits
• Repayments were not reflected correctly in your account
• The lender failed to issue repayment receipts or regular account statements
• An advertisement or loan solicitation appeared to breach advertising restrictions
• You experienced abusive, threatening or harassing debt collection conduct

A disagreement does not automatically prove that the lender has broken the law. A complete complaint should identify the conduct in question and include documents showing what happened.

For an overview of the protections that apply throughout the borrowing process, read about borrower rights in Singapore.

Which Authority Should You Contact?

The appropriate channel depends on the conduct involved. You may need to make more than one report. For example, harassment during debt collection should be reported to the Police as well as the Registry.

How to Complain to the Registry of Moneylenders

You can lodge a report with the Registry of Moneylenders using its official reporting form. You may also contact the Registry at 1800 2255 529. Airtime charges may apply when calling a local 1800 number from a mobile phone.

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Follow these steps when preparing your complaint:

1. Verify the lender’s identity: Check its business name, licence number, registered address and contact details against the official Registry list.
2. Write a factual timeline: Record when you applied, visited the office, signed the contract, received the money, made payments and encountered the disputed conduct.
3. Identify the specific issue: Explain whether the complaint concerns the contract, fees, payment records, advertising, personal documents, debt collection or another practice.
4. Gather supporting evidence: Attach clear copies of the documents and communications connected with the complaint.
5. Submit accurate contact details: Registry officers may need to contact you for clarification, additional documents or an interview.
6. Keep a complete copy: Save the submitted form, attachments and any reference number or acknowledgement you receive.

Keep the complaint concise and chronological. Describe what was said or done, who was involved and how the event relates to your loan. Avoid assumptions about the lender’s intentions when the available records can explain the issue directly.

What Evidence Should You Keep?

The strength of a complaint often depends on the available documentary evidence. Useful records may include:

• The signed Note of Contract and repayment schedule
• Loan application documents
• Receipts for every repayment
• Statements of account issued by the lender
• Bank statements showing disbursements and payments
• Written explanations of interest, fees and late charges
• SMS, WhatsApp messages, emails and other correspondence
• Screenshots of advertisements or unsolicited loan promotions
• Call logs, voicemail messages and relevant telephone numbers
• Letters or notices sent by the lender or debt collector
• Photographs of damage connected with alleged harassment
• Names and contact details of witnesses, where applicable

Preserve the original files whenever possible. Screenshots should show the sender, date, time and complete message rather than an isolated sentence. Do not alter documents or delete communications after submitting your report.

Will the Registry Keep Your Identity Confidential?

The Registry states that it will not disclose your details to the licensed moneylender without your consent. However, officers may need additional information to investigate the complaint properly.

You may be asked to provide further documents or attend an interview. Cooperation does not guarantee a particular outcome, but complete and consistent information can help officers assess the reported conduct.

The Registry takes complaints seriously and may take action against an errant moneylender where its investigation establishes wrongdoing.

Should You Contact the Moneylender First?

For a possible clerical error, such as a payment missing from an account statement, you may first request a written explanation or correction from the lender if you feel safe doing so. State the disputed entry, attach the relevant receipt and ask the lender to respond in writing.

You are not required to confront the lender before reporting threatening behaviour, suspected offences or serious misconduct. Do not visit the office alone merely to obtain an explanation if you feel unsafe.

A written exchange with the lender may become part of your evidence, but it should not replace a report to the appropriate authority where urgent or unlawful conduct may be involved.

When Should You Make a Police Report?

Licensed moneylenders may take reasonable and lawful steps to recover unpaid debts, including contacting borrowers or pursuing legal action. Visiting a borrower’s home or workplace is not automatically a criminal offence.

However, debt collectors cannot use vandalism, violence, threats or conduct that infringes criminal law. If you experience harassment, threatening words or behaviour, property damage or physical violence, lodge a police report and inform the Registry as well.

If anyone is in immediate danger, contact the Police immediately. Preserve messages, photographs, video footage and witness details, but do not place yourself at risk to collect evidence.

If the business is not on the official list, it may be an unlicensed moneylender rather than a regulated lender. Read how to identify and report scams in Singapore.

Can the Registry Cancel or Restructure Your Loan?

The Registry regulates licensed moneylenders and investigates complaints, but it does not restructure loans or negotiate repayment arrangements for borrowers. Repayment disputes remain private contractual matters unless resolved by agreement or through the appropriate legal process.

Submitting a complaint does not by itself establish that the contract has been cancelled. Do not stop making payments solely because a complaint is under review without first obtaining appropriate advice or reaching a documented arrangement with the lender.

If you cannot afford the scheduled repayments, contact the lender early and ask whether it will consider a workable arrangement. You may also seek assistance from a lawyer or an appropriate social service agency. The guide on negotiating debt in Singapore explains how to prepare for that discussion.

Can You Take Legal Action Against a Moneylender?

The Registry’s current borrower guidance states that a borrower affected by an unfair practice may consider pursuing the matter in Court under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. Depending on its findings, the Court has the power to set aside a loan transaction that is exorbitant or substantially unfair.

A regulatory complaint and a civil claim serve different purposes. The Registry investigates possible misconduct, while a court determines the legal rights and remedies in the case before it.

Legal proceedings can involve filing requirements, deadlines, evidence and costs. Consider obtaining independent legal advice before deciding which claim or remedy may apply to your circumstances.

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Final Thoughts

If you need to complain about a licensed moneylender in Singapore, document the issue carefully and use the channel appropriate to the conduct involved. Contract concerns and unfair practices may be reported to the Registry, while harassment, threats, violence or other potential criminal conduct should also be reported to the Police.

Keep your contract, receipts, account statements and communications throughout the loan period. A clear timeline supported by original records will make it easier for the relevant authority to understand and investigate your complaint.

Related Guides

• Best Moneylenders in Singapore
• What Are the Rights of Borrowers in Singapore?
• Legal Money Lender Singapore Guide
• How to Choose a Licensed Moneylender
• How to Identify and Report Scams in Singapore
• How to Negotiate Debt in Singapore

Yannie Woon

Starting out as a freelance writer, Yannie quickly realised she had a gift for explaining money matters in a way that didn't make people want to tear their hair out. When she's not cracking jokes about compound interest, Yannie enjoys attending industry seminars, engaging with financial experts on social media, and volunteering her time and expertise to help those in need.