21 Sep 2022 | Posted In Money advice news

A new campaign is being launched to encourage people to open the conversation about the dangers of loan sharks and highlight the support that is available to those who have been affected by illegal money lending. It will be showcased at the MALG Friday Forum on 23 September 2022 ahead of the campaign launching.

A report published by the Centre for Social Justice estimated that 1.08 million people could be borrowing from an illegal money lender – more commonly known as a loan shark. This figure has more than trebled since 2010.

Loan sharks are criminals who lend money at extortionate rates of interest, threatening significant harm to borrowers if they do not pay. These ruthless lenders use coercive control and psychological threats to keep victims trapped in an endless cycle of debt for years, often with devastating consequences.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) is running its national Stop Loan Sharks Week campaign from the 26th September to 2nd October 2022 to highlight the help available to those who have been targeted by loan sharks, as well as increase awareness of this hidden crime in communities. This year’s campaign will focus on reaching vulnerable people who may not realise they are being exploited by loan sharks, as well as raising awareness of the support available to those who have already come into contact with an illegal lender.

The #LetsTalkLoanSharks campaign aims to remove the shame and banish the stigma around illegal money lending by encouraging conversations among families, friends, neighbours, customers, colleagues and communities. It also encourages frontline professionals to have a loan shark conversation with every client they see during the week, whether or not each individual is showing signs of borrowing from a loan shark. People who have borrowed from loan sharks often keep this information to themselves, but by asking a few simple questions, you could help someone feel supported enough to disclose their situation so they can get the help they need.

Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said:

“Loan sharks are mercilessly preying on the most vulnerable and using deceptive tactics to trap families in a cycle of debt and fear.

“This campaign is dedicated to stopping the scourge of illegal money lending, which is responsible for so much harm and despair. Breaking the silence around this issue is essential to protecting our communities and helping those affected.

“We are working with our partners across England to bring awareness and information to all those affected by illegal lending – and encouraging frontline workers to spot the signs and ‘ask the question’ when dealing with vulnerable clients who may be at risk of being targeted by loan sharks.

“We want to open up the conversation about illegal lending and loan sharks, helping people realise that they are not alone and empowering them to talk about their situation openly and honestly, without embarrassment or stigma.”

The #LetsTalkLoanSharks campaign will run across the Stop Loan Sharks England social media accounts and aims to raise awareness of loan sharks, the dangers they pose and share practical tips on how people can protect themselves. Find out more here.