Loan Sharks

Questions and Answers

Bracknell Forest Council has joined up with the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) as a Campaign Partner to raise awareness about the help that is available to people ‘affected’ by Loan Sharks.

A loan shark is somebody who lends money without the permission of the financial conduct authority.

How can I find out if the person I have borrowed money from is a loan shark?

Question: I borrowed some money to pay a bill but the debt has increased by an enormous amount and now I can’t manage. I don’t have any paperwork and the person who lent me money, who I thought was a friend, has become increasingly threatening. Where can I turn for help?

Answer: Click on the ‘Stoploansharks’ link. This will be the first step to accessing expert help and support from people who completely understand the worries and concerns that you may have. The IMLT are highly experienced and you will be in safe hands.

 

Questions: I’m in debt to a loan shark. I can’t eat and my sleep is affected. I keep going over my worries again and again. I’m so anxious about the children’s safety that I don’t want them to leave the house even to go to school. I’m finding it very difficult to cope.

Answer: You can visit your GP or if you prefer you can click on the link to the NHS talking therapies. You can self-refer and this could be the first step to help you access mental health support from professionals who care.  If you or your family are being threatened contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

 

Report a Loan Shark

Call the 24/7 confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222

Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

Private message the IMLT at www.facebook.com/stoploansharksprojects

Further information and support

www.stoploansharks.uk

www.talkingtherapies.berkshire.nhs.uk

www.FSA.gov.uk

 

Read an example of a Loan Shark Case.