Bernicia is once again backing the national campaign to warn of the dangers of loan sharks at Christmas.
We are an accredited partner of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, the dedicated team behind the successful ‘Stop Loan Sharks‘ campaign.
Our work to help free tenants from loan shark debt, guiding them towards support, for instance, from credit unions which provide the small loans people often need – but high street banks don’t provide – helps people pay off debt at reasonable rates they can afford, giving them peace of mind.
Here’s a snapshot of the scale of the problem the Christmas #SleighNoToLoanSharks campaign is seeking to tackle:
* Nearly one in ten people turned to loan sharks to cover the costs of Christmas last year.
* New campaign #SleighNoToLoanSharks aims to protect communities from the devastating effects of illegal money lending.
* Experts have warned that unscrupulous lenders could try to cash in on the festive period as households struggle to cope with rising food, fuel and energy bills.
Loan sharks are targeting vulnerable people seeking credit and trapping them into a cycle of debt with exorbitant interest rates and threats of violence.
A report published by the Centre for Social Justice estimated that 1.08 million people could already be in debt to an illegal money lender. This is over 700,000 more people than the most recent official estimate.
Figures released by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) show that nearly one in ten of those who borrowed money from loan sharks last year did so to cover the costs of Christmas.
More than half of the victims (52%) supported by the IMLT in the first half of 2022 had borrowed from a loan shark to pay for essentials such as food and fuel.
Loan sharks pose a dangerous threat to all communities. They charge exorbitant interest rates and target the most vulnerable with aggressive and exploitative practices. The impact of illegal money lending is severe and far-reaching, with devastating consequences for the mental health and wellbeing of those affected.
The figures come amid national warnings that the scale of household debt will continue to rise as financial pressures on households leave many struggling to afford their monthly bills.
The IMLT is working hard to combat the growth in illegal lending by focusing on prevention, awareness and enforcement activities.
Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Loan sharks are doing untold damage in local communities, and we must do all we can to stop them.
“With their ruthless tactics, these predators are threatening vulnerable families, driving them deeper into debt, and pulling entire communities into an endless cycle of despair.
“At a time when families are under extreme cost pressures with mounting living costs, we are deeply concerned that those who are already struggling to make ends meet could be targeted by these predatory lenders.
“Our campaign aims to break this cycle by helping people understand the risks of loan sharks, what they can do if they feel threatened and where they can turn for help and support.
“The Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline offers confidential advice and support to anyone affected by illegal money lending. We know how stressful and frightening this experience can be. We can give you support on how to deal with this problem and help find a way forward.”
You can report a loan shark or seek help by calling 0300 555 2222.
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