K
KnowYourRightsHub
RBI Circular 2022

Recovery Agents
& Your Rights

Harassment by recovery agents is a serious offense in India. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued strict guidelines to protect borrowers.

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Calling Hours

Recovery agents can only call you during specific hours. Calling late at night or early in the morning is a violation of RBI norms.

8 AM to 7 PM Only
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No Harassment

Agents cannot use muscle power, threats, or abusive language. They cannot humiliate you publicly or contact your friends/family to shame you.

"Agents are strictly prohibited from calling persistent or 'harassing' numbers of times in a day."
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ID Verification

An agent must carry an identity card and an authorization letter from the bank. You have the right to see these before talking to them.

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Privacy Rights

Banks and agents cannot breach your privacy by sharing your debt details with neighbors, coworkers, or on social media.

How to File a Complaint

1

**Contact the Bank**: First, lodge a formal complaint with the bank's Nodal Officer. They have 30 days to resolve it.

2

**Banking Ombudsman**: If the bank doesn't respond or you're unsatisfied, file a complaint with the **RBI Banking Ombudsman** online at [cms.rbi.org.in](https://cms.rbi.org.in).

3

**Legal Action**: For physical threats or harassment, you can file an FIR at your local police station under relevant sections of the IPC (e.g., Section 506 for criminal intimidation).