Access to credit in Colombia is severely limited, with only 34% of the adult population able to obtain loans through legal means, such as banks. Those excluded from formal credit systems often turn to "gota a gota" lenders—informal, and sometimes criminal, operators who charge exorbitant interest rates and resort to extortion and threats to collect debts. In recent years, the "gota a gota" system has expanded online. Through seemingly legitimate apps, these gangs have found new ways to exploit vulnerable populations.

This article delves into the stories of three individuals who fell victim to online "gota a gota" schemes and examines how inequality within the financial system fuels these predatory practices.