
Hi,
I'm 26 now and I had debt of 15lakhs from multiple sources like personal loan from banks, credit card, loans from NBFC's. I cleared credit card by going for settlement. Currently I have two personal loan which is bank loan and one NBFC loan.
Bank loan first one I have 4 months overdue by I have been paying every month to no go more than 4 months. Another loan I have 13 months overdue and I have been paying every month to no go more than 13 months. Will the banks provide restructuring?
NBFC I took 1.6lakhs and I could make only 2 months EMI payment. It's been 20 months now not made payment. Few days back got a call from some guy saying he is from Police Station and he have received a case filed against me by NBFC lawyer. He gave lawyer number and added into conference call. Lawyer said with interest and overdues it's 2.2lakhs. If settlement means 70k but OTS (One Time Settlement).
I said I need one month time but they are like no make payment within two days or will file FIR against me and will have to arrest me and produce me before the court. The police also said me to go to station and I went their and called the police number but no response and when I went inside and asked the police in station said there is no one with that name.
Now the lawyer says will give one month time make 70k payment by then. Is this genuine?
Ans: You have shown great courage. At 26, many wouldn’t face the issue head-on. You are taking ownership. That’s the first step towards rebuilding your financial life. Let’s go step by step and address everything from a 360-degree view.
» Your Current Loan Situation
– You had a total debt of Rs. 15 lakh from banks, NBFCs, and credit cards.
– You already settled the credit card dues. That’s one relief.
– You have two personal loans: one from a bank and one from an NBFC.
– First personal loan: 4-month overdue. You are paying regularly now.
– Second personal loan: 13-month overdue. You continue monthly payments.
– NBFC loan of Rs. 1.6 lakh: Paid only 2 EMIs. No payment for 20 months.
This is a classic case of over-leveraging. But you are trying to get back. That matters.
» Are Threat Calls Genuine or Fraud?
– Calls claiming to be from police stations are often fake.
– Police don't call people and threaten arrest over loan dues.
– FIR is not filed for civil loan default unless there is fraud or cheque bounce.
– No police officer will arrange a call with a "lawyer" in a conference.
– Going to the police station was a wise step. Real police confirmed no case.
– This confirms the call was fake. It was done to scare and force payment.
– This is a collection tactic used by recovery agents, not by genuine police.
Do not panic. Stay calm. Don’t let such calls disturb your mental peace.
» About the One-Time Settlement (OTS) Offer
– NBFC says: Pay Rs. 70,000 as OTS for Rs. 2.2 lakh dues.
– OTS is a legal option. But only do it after written confirmation.
– Ask for official email or letter on NBFC letterhead with:
Total outstanding
OTS amount
Payment deadline
NOC after payment
– If they refuse to provide written letter, it is not genuine.
– Don’t pay even a single rupee without proper proof.
– Always do NEFT or UPI to NBFC’s registered account. Never to personal numbers.
Getting the settlement in writing will protect you from future harassment.
» Will Banks or NBFCs Allow Restructuring?
– RBI had announced a loan restructuring scheme during COVID.
– That window is now closed for most banks and NBFCs.
– However, lenders still offer internal restructuring options.
– It depends on your repayment history and intent.
– Since you are paying both personal loans regularly, you may qualify.
– Approach the bank branch directly. Speak to the loan officer.
– Explain your situation honestly and request restructuring.
– They may reduce EMI, extend tenure or give temporary moratorium.
NBFCs are stricter but still consider restructuring in some cases.
» What Happens if You Don’t Settle the NBFC Loan?
– NBFC can keep reporting default to credit bureaus (CIBIL, Experian, etc.).
– This affects your credit score and future loan eligibility.
– But they cannot arrest you for non-payment.
– Only legal cases can happen if there is cheque bounce or fraud.
– Civil loan default is not a criminal offense.
– However, harassment and mental pressure from collection agents may continue.
You can file police complaint if agents harass or abuse you.
» How to Verify If a Legal Case Is Filed Against You
– Ask the NBFC to provide copy of the case filed. Check case number.
– You can visit https://ecourts.gov.in/
and search with your name.
– If nothing shows, no case is filed. Just a bluff.
– If something shows, consult a lawyer for advice.
– Never rely on WhatsApp messages or phone calls from unknown numbers.
Always insist on official communication through email or post.
» What If You Want to Pay the OTS?
– If Rs. 70,000 settlement is manageable, it can give you mental peace.
– But pay only if:
You get written letter
The NBFC account number is verified
They commit to giving you NOC after payment
– Once paid, get NOC and CIBIL report showing “Settled” status.
– Note: A “settled” status is better than “default” but still affects credit.
Even better is to pay full dues over time, if you can manage.
» Impact of Settlements and Overdues on CIBIL Score
– Settled loans reduce score significantly. So does prolonged overdue.
– Your bank loans (4-month and 13-month overdue) are also damaging score.
– Consistent EMI payment for 6-12 months will help improve score slowly.
– You may take a secured credit card later (against FD) to rebuild history.
Your credit health can be rebuilt with discipline and time.
» How to Handle Such Loans and Get Out of Debt
– Prioritise loans with legal risk and highest interest.
– Try to regularise the 4-month and 13-month overdue loans.
– Negotiate for restructuring with the bank.
– For NBFC loan, push for OTS in writing or pay slowly if possible.
– Avoid taking fresh loans to repay old ones. That’s a trap.
– Don’t fall for quick-fix loans from apps or unregulated lenders.
Stability is more important than speed right now.
» How to Avoid Such Situations in Future
– Never borrow beyond 30-35% of monthly take-home income.
– Avoid credit card rollovers. Interest is too high.
– Always track EMI dates and keep auto-debit enabled.
– Maintain emergency fund equal to 6 months of expenses.
– Build credit score slowly. Aim for 750+ over time.
Small steps now will secure your future financial health.
» Need to Check Your CIBIL and Take Action
– Get your CIBIL report from www.cibil.com
or OneScore app.
– Review each loan account. Check status – active, closed, settled, written-off.
– If errors are there, raise dispute through the portal.
– Regularise overdue accounts. It will improve your future loan chances.
CIBIL repair is a long-term game, not an overnight thing.
» Handling Debt Recovery Agents Professionally
– Never argue or fight. Keep records of all calls.
– If they threaten or abuse, send written complaint to lender’s grievance cell.
– Also file complaint to RBI Ombudsman at: https://cms.rbi.org.in
– If harassment continues, visit local police station with evidence.
You have rights. Use them firmly but respectfully.
» How to Structure Your Repayment Plan Now
– List down all loans, EMI, dues, and overdue months.
– Rank them by urgency: Legal risk, interest rate, amount overdue.
– Pay minimum EMI on all, and extra on top loan.
– Avoid spending on non-essentials. Stick to strict budget.
– If possible, do a side income to close loans faster.
A written repayment roadmap keeps your focus strong and steady.
» Final Insights
– You are in a tough phase, but this is not the end.
– Take each day at a time. Don’t fall for fake threats.
– Get OTS only with written letter. Don’t pay blindly.
– Start improving credit score step by step.
– Avoid fresh borrowing. Prioritise repayments.
– Restructuring is possible. Talk to banks officially, not over phone.
– Protect yourself legally if harassment happens.
Your comeback is possible. Stay calm and take responsible actions.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment