Loan sharks
What is a loan shark?
Loan sharks are illegal money lenders that take advantage of
vulnerable borrowers. They use very high rates of interest.
This means borrowers may face demands for payment of hundreds
or thousands of pounds more than they borrowed. Borrowers who fail
to pay or refuse to pay are often subject to intimidation and
physical violence.
Have you or anyone you know:
- been offered a cash loan without paperwork?
- been threatened when you couldn't pay?
- had your benefit or bank card taken from you?
- had a loan that keeps growing even though you are making
payments?
If yes, you may have been bitten by a loan shark.
Reporting loan sharks
Loan shark lending is a crime. Don't be a victim, we can
help.
If you have information about loan sharks operating in your area
please complete our
online reporting form,
For confidential help and advice, you can contact Stop
Loan Sharks, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Telephone: 0300 555 2222 (local call rate, including
inclusive minutes from mobiles).
- Email: stoploansharks@kent.gov.uk
- Text: loan (space) shark (space) + your message to 60003