England’s Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) campaign promoting the Stop Loan Sharks message launches on 30th November 2015.  IMLT is leading this campaign with partners which include Riverside.

Around 310,000 people use a loan shark each year.  A loan shark is someone who lends money without the correct permission from the Financial Conduct Authority.  Loan sharks may initially appear friendly but they will often use violence and intimidation to ensure they get their money, causing borrowers worry.

The IMLT want to ensure that everyone knows what a loan shark is and more importantly how to report one.  By working with other organisations, such as Riverside, we can get the message out to those borrowing from loan sharks, especially in the run up to Christmas.

Staff from the Gateshead office spent time today talking to customers in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, raising awareness of the dangers of loan sharks.

There is help available.