Illegal money lenders

If you’re finding it difficult to manage your money we would strongly advise that you do not borrow money from an illegal money lender (or loan shark). 

Illegal money lenders often prey on vulnerable people and add huge amounts of interest or APR to any money they loan you.

They can also threaten and harass you and take away your bank card, passport, watch or other valuables from you until you have repaid them. 

How to spot a loan shark

If you have borrowed from an illegal money lender, or are worried about someone else who has, please report it:

Stop Loan Sharks
0300 555 2222 24 hours a day
Text: 07860 022 116
reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk 

Stop Loan Sharks can investigate and prosecute the illegal lender and provide you with emotional and practical support tailored to your needs. 

You should also let your Housing Manager know if this is the cause of your rent arrears or if it is impacting on other areas of your health and wellbeing.

Further information

Read the Illegal Money Lending Team's latest newsletter IMLT Winter Newsletter 2022 (PDF, 3MB)