Loan Shark Awareness Week takes place from Monday 19th May to Sunday 25th May 2025. It’s a time to talk about something important — keeping our customers safe from illegal money lenders.
Sometimes, when money is tight, it can feel like you have nowhere to turn. Loan sharks take advantage of that. But you’re not alone — there is support, and there are safe ways to get help.
What is a Loan Shark?
A loan shark is someone who lends money without a proper licence. That means they’re not following the law — and they don’t follow fair rules either.
They might:
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Not give you any paperwork.
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Add huge interest or extra costs.
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Get angry or threatening if you can’t pay.
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Take your bank card, passport or other personal items to keep control.
They may seem friendly at first, but that can change quickly.
How to spot a Loan Shark
It’s not always easy to tell if someone’s a loan shark — but here are some warning signs:
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There’s no paperwork or agreement in writing.
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You’re told to keep the loan secret.
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They ask for very high repayments that never seem to end.
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They use threats or pressure when you can’t pay.
If anything feels wrong, it’s okay to ask for help. You haven’t done anything wrong.
Support in Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire
You are not alone, and you don’t have to deal with this on your own. There are local organisations that care and are ready to help:
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Citizens Advice: Free, confidential help with money and debt.
🌐 www.citizensadvice.org.uk -
Staffordshire Connects: Find support services near you.
🌐 www.staffordshireconnects.info
How to report a Loan Shark
If you think someone is a loan shark — or you’re worried about someone else — you can report it confidentially and safely.
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☎️ Call 0300 555 2222 – open 24 hours a day
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💬 Live Chat – www.stoploansharks.co.uk
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📧 Email – [email protected]
You don’t have to give your name. You’ll be listened to and supported.
You deserve to feel safe
Asking for help can feel hard — but it’s a brave and positive step. You deserve to feel safe, supported, and free from fear.
There are better ways to borrow money, and kind people who want to help.
Together, we can stop loan sharks and keep our community safe.
