Thinking about contacting Stop Loan Sharks but worried about what might happen next? You’re not alone.
One of the most common reasons people tell us they don’t report a loan shark is because they don’t realise they’ve been the victim of a crime, or they worry about what will happen if they pick up the phone.
Many people think reporting a loan shark means having to give all their personal details and making a formal statement straight away, naming people or becoming involved in a court case. Others worry that officers will immediately confront the lender and reveal who reported them.
The reality is very different.
A quick quiz
What do you think happens when you call Stop Loan Sharks for advice?
- We demand your full name and address, take details of the loan shark, and immediately rush in to arrest them while telling them who reported them.
- Nothing – unless you want it to.
- You’re reassured that you’ve done nothing wrong and asked what help you need right now.
- You’re asked about your situation so we can understand whether the person lending to you may be operating illegally.
- You’re offered the opportunity to meet an officer in person to discuss your options.
The correct answers are B, C, D and E.
The only wrong answer is A.
Support comes first
At Stop Loan Sharks, our first priority is always your safety and wellbeing.
Firstly, when you get in touch, whether it’s a call, a WhatsApp message or an email, your enquiry will be dealt with by a real person, not a bot or an answering service.
We’ll listen to what’s been happening, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. You won’t be pressured into giving information you’re not comfortable sharing, and you’re welcome to speak to us anonymously if that’s what feels right for you.
Everything moves at your pace and if you need time to think about what to do next, that’s fine. We’ll provide information, advice and support, and we’ll be here whenever you’re ready.
Will I have to report the loan shark?
Not necessarily.
Many people contact us simply because they want advice. Others want to understand whether the person they’ve borrowed from is actually operating illegally.
Our officers will ask a few questions so we can assess the situation and explain what support is available and what the next steps could be. There is no pressure to make a formal report or assist with an investigation.
Meeting an officer
If you’d prefer to talk face-to-face, we can arrange for you to meet one of our specialist LIAISE officers in a location that feels safe and convenient for you.
We want to make sure you understand your options and receive the support you need.
The help we can provide
Stop Loan Sharks offers much more than investigations. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to:
- Arrange emergency food parcels.
- Put you in touch with debt advice services and organisations that can help with issues like finances, paying bills, or housing.
- Work alongside local authorities, housing providers and other agencies to make sure you are safe – this can include finding emergency accommodation if you are in danger where you are.
- Liaise with police if there are safeguarding concerns and arrange protective measures such as a blue light marker being put on your address.
We do prosecute loan sharks
Stop Loan Sharks is the community name for the England Illegal Money Lending Team – which does investigate and prosecute illegal money lenders. Loan sharks cause enormous harm to individuals, families and communities, and where possible we want to see offenders face justice.
But our first concern is helping borrowers get out of harm’s way, regain control of their lives, and access the support they need.
That’s why our approach can be summed up in four simple words: Support first – then report.
What people say about the help they received
People who have contacted Stop Loan Sharks in the past tell us how much difference it made simply having someone listen and understand.
These are just a few quotes from people we have supported:
“I am really appreciative of all the support I’ve been given by the team and help with food parcels and stuff”.
“Stop Loan Sharks have been amazing. They moved fast, helped me feel calmer about the situation and taken a big weight off my shoulders”.
“I felt really listened to”.
“I felt very reassured after speaking to you . . . I’m starting to feel less guilty”.
“I met with a LIAISE Officer informally to go over my options. I am helping with the investigation anonymously for now and am happy that you are there when I need you. I felt really at ease and supported and all my questions were answered”.
“Everyone I spoke with in the team was polite and never tried to push me into anything”.
“I feel like I can count on the team and that I am not alone if I need urgent help”.
Don’t suffer in silence
If you’re worried about money you’ve borrowed, think someone might be a loan shark, or simply want confidential advice, we’re here to help. Remember:
- You haven’t done anything wrong.
- You don’t have to give your name.
- You don’t have to make a report.
- You don’t have to decide what to do today.
Just start with a conversation. Get in touch with us for free, confidential, non-judgemental support today:
- Call: 0300 555 2222 (24/7 free, confidential helpline).
- WhatsApp: 07700 102773 (available weekdays 9am to 8pm).
- Live Chat: Available at stoploansharks.co.uk weekdays 9am to 8pm.
- Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Visit stoploansharks.co.uk for more information.
