Citizens Advice East Suffolk has joined a national crackdown on loan sharks by signing up to be an official access point for the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).
The IMLT, known as Stop Loan Sharks, is building a network of physical access points across England where people who have been targeted by a loan shark can safely and easily reach expert support.
It means that even those who may not have access to a phone or computer, or even a safe space to make the call, will now have the ability to get in touch.
While the Stop Loan Sharks team is available 24/7 via its confidential helpline, it covers the whole of England and does not have a physical office that the public can visit. This new initiative aims to bridge that gap by inviting community organisations to become an official access point that people can visit in person and get the support they need to make the call.
Citizens Advice East Suffolk has become the latest organisation to sign up, joining dozens of others across the country. It means staff will be able to assist anyone coming in who wants to get in touch with Stop Loan Sharks. They will be fully trained to help people make initial contact, whether via phone, email, or the online Live Chat. They will provide a safe space, access to the Stop Loan Sharks website, and emotional support.
Citizens Advice East Suffolk is an independent registered charity and member of the Citizens Advice Network. It provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice, helping people gain the information, knowledge and confidence they need to find a way forward, whatever their circumstances or problem.
Citizens Advice East Suffolk operates from five offices in Beccles, Felixstowe, Leiston, Lowestoft and Woodbridge, alongside a network of outreach drop-in locations across East Suffolk, including Bungay, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Halesworth, Kesgrave, Kessingland, Saxmundham, Southwold and Wickham Market.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “When people have been targeted by an illegal lender, they often feel alone and isolated, and taking the first step to get help can be overwhelming. For those without access to a phone, computer, or a safe space to make contact, it can be impossible.
“These new access points are a lifeline. People can drop in, talk to trained staff, and get the practical support they need to make that first move toward safety. We’re thrilled that Citizens Advice East Suffolk has joined the network – it means more people in the East Suffolk area will now have a clear route to the help they need.”
Chiara Saunders, chief executive of Citizens Advice East Suffolk, added: “Being in debt is worrying and stressful – doubly so if you feel pressurised or are facing unfair terms or high interest rates. Citizens Advice East Suffolk wants to support people who are struggling in this way by providing a safe space where people can share their worries and seek the help they need.”
Many illegal money lenders are well known within their communities and are often introduced to borrowers through friends or family members. They are unregulated and give loans with no paperwork, adding extra charges or interest. They often appear to be friendly at first, but they often resort to threats, intimidation and even violence if repayments are not made.
Stop Loan Sharks is a national organisation that was set up over 20 years ago to investigate and prosecute illegal lenders and support borrowers. Since then, the team has supported around 33,000 people and secured over 430 successful prosecutions, with illegal lenders locked up for more than 620 years. More than £92 million in illegal debt has been written off.
Unauthorised lending is problematic as lenders do not complete affordability checks on borrowers – often meaning they are lending to people who cannot pay them back. These borrowers do not have the protection of consumer law such as cancellation periods and the ability to apply for help if they can’t pay. This causes huge amounts of stress and can impact their other finances, leaving them unable to pay rent or other priority bills.
Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222, send a WhatsApp message to 07700 102773 or visit the website www.stoploansharks.co.uk where there is a Live Chat facility and more information.
WhatsApp is monitored from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.
