Can a repossession agent threaten or intimidate me?
Last updated: 2026-07-11 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
No. Threats, intimidation, shouting, public shaming, or force during a repossession attempt are prohibited unfair collection practices. SEC MC 18 (2019) bars financing and lending companies and their agents from using threats, violence, obscene language, and public humiliation to collect, and RA 11765 (2022) empowers the SEC to penalise abusive collection conduct. Intimidation or force to make you give up the vehicle can also be grave coercion under Article 286 of the Revised Penal Code. Stay calm, state that you do not consent, ask whether they have a court writ and a sheriff, and record the encounter — then file with the SEC and, if threatened, a police blotter.
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Frequently asked
They cursed at me and threatened my family. Is that actionable?
Yes. Abusive language and threats to third parties are classic SEC MC 18 violations; threats can also be criminal (grave threats or coercion). Save recordings, messages, and witness names.
Can they bring police or barangay officials to intimidate me?
Officials may keep the peace, but they cannot seize the vehicle for the lender without a court writ. Their presence does not turn an unlawful taking into a lawful one.
Where do I report the agent?
File with the SEC (RA 11765 / SEC MC 18) naming the lender and agent, and a police blotter for any threats or force. LabanPH builds the SEC complaint.
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When a lender can — and cannot — take a financed vehicle, and the court process required.