Blog Archives - Stop Loan Sharks

June 1, 2026

Published by Stop Loan Sharks at June 1, 2026

‘A Community of Silence’ – The Lived Experience of people borrowing from Loan Sharks in England

Introduction Illegal money lending in the UK Illegal money lending, often referred […]

Stop Loan Sharks England

12 hours ago

Do you use Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) when shopping? 🛍️If you do, there are important changes coming on this week that will offer you better protection.From Wednesday, July 15, BNPL will be regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). This means providers will need to carry out affordability checks and credit assessments before approving applications. This means providers will have to consider whether repayments are affordable based on your financial situation, helping to reduce the risk of taking on debt you may struggle to repay.While this may add an extra step to the application process, it is a positive move towards safer borrowing and stronger consumer safeguards. If you're considering borrowing money, remember there are safe alternatives to mainstream lenders, such as credit unions and Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs).Always beware of illegal lenders who often target people facing financial difficulties by pretending to be a friend offering a favour.If you think you may have borrowed from a loan shark, support is available. Contact Stop Loan Sharks confidentially on 0300 555 2222 or send a WhatsApp message to 07700 1027#SafeBorrowingo#StopLoanSharksharks ... See MoreSee Less

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Stop Loan Sharks England

23 hours ago

📱 It's even easier to report illegal lenders! You can message us on WhatsApp at 07700 102773. Our team is here to help Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. All messages are treated in complete confide#StopLoanSharksh#SupportWhenYouNeedIteedIt ... See MoreSee Less

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Stop Loan Sharks England

5 days ago

Today we brought together representatives from dozens of frontline organisations across Leeds to strengthen the fight against loan sharks.It was fantastic to see so many organisations come together to learn more about the work of Stop Loan Sharks and the work to protect communities from illegal money lending.During the event, we presented awards recognising the outstanding commitment of organisations that go above and beyond to support vulnerable residents and help keep communities safe.We also heard from Vikki Brownridge, chief executive of the national StepChange Debt Charity, based in Leeds, which works closely with us to identify the signs of illegal lending and help people access the support they need.The organisations at the event work with residents every day and are often among the first to spot the warning signs of illegal lending. They are our eyes and ears in communities, helping to identify those at risk, support victims, and ensure people can access the help they need.Attendees signed a pledge reaffirming their commitment to raising awareness of loan sharks and supporting those affected by illegal money lending.A huge thank you to everyone who attended, and to Leeds City Councill for hosting the event at Leeds Civic Hall.By working together, we can reach more people, prevent harm, and continue building safer communities.#stoploansharksengland#partnershipworking ... See MoreSee Less

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Stop Loan Sharks England

5 days ago

🎉 Huge congratulations to Sunderland, UK which has become the first local authority in England to achieve Stop Loan Sharks Partner Plus status. 🎉This award recognises the council’s outstanding commitment to tackling illegal money lending and protecting local communities from the harm caused by loan sharks.Over the years, we’ve worked closely together on a range of initiatives to raise awareness, support vulnerable residents, and ensure people know where to turn for help. We’re incredibly grateful to have such a dedicated and influential partner standing alongside us in the fight against illegal lending.A big thank you to everyone involved in achieving this milestone. We look forward to continuing our partnership and building on the fantastic work already taking place across Sunderland.Together, we can stop loan sharks. #stoploansharksengland#partnershipworking ... See MoreSee Less

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Stop Loan Sharks England

1 week ago

A 66-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after illegally lending more than £4.7 million.Alexander Ali Baba was a well-known illegal lender in his south London community and claimed he was helping people in need.But the judge found his operation was more akin to a business, charging high interest rates and penalty fees and targeting people who were financially vulnerable.This sentencing marks the culmination of a lengthy investigation by the England Illegal Money Lending Team, working alongside Merton Council Trading Standards and the Metropolitan Police Service.We hope this outcome sends a clear message that illegal lending will not be tolerated in our communities. We remain committed to protecting people from financial exploitation and supporting those affected by loan sharks.Read the full story on our website - the link is in the comments 👇 ... See MoreSee Less

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Stop Loan Sharks England @slsengland ·

3 Jul

A man has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after illegally lending more than £4.7m.
A great result following a joint investigation with @Merton_Council Trading Standards and @metpoliceuk
Full story: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/loan-shark-who-lent-more-than-4-7m-is-jailed/

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Stop Loan Sharks England @slsengland ·

2 Jul

Thanks to Ashley Alder and John Ball from @TheFCA for visiting us in Birmingham yesterday.
It was great to discuss our work tackling loan sharks, recent enforcement successes and how we continue to support borrowers across England.
#StopLoanSharks #CommunitySafety

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Stop Loan Sharks England @slsengland ·

28 Jun

🕹️ There’s still time to change the game
Help Alex complete his mission 👾
Design, code, or remix parts of our Stop Loan Sharks game and make a difference.
🏆 Amazon vouchers to be won
👾 Separate prizes for under & over 16s
👉 Get involved:
https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/game-over-for-loan-sharks/

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Stop Loan Sharks England @slsengland ·

25 Jun

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Stop Loan Sharks England @slsengland ·

23 Jun

🎮 Think you can change the game?
The Stop Loan Sharks Game Challenge is open until 30 June 👾
Play and edit our retro-style computer game and submit your version for a chance to win.
🏆 Amazon vouchers up for grabs
✅ Open to all ages (under & over 16s)
👉 Start now:

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