Derby County players help tackle loan sharks as Rammie shows Sid the red card
Derby County fans are in with the chance of winning a t-shirt signed by captain Conor Hourihane after helping club mascot Rammie show loan sharks the red card.
Stop Loan Sharks mascot Sid was at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday for the League One fixture against Shrewsbury Town, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
He joined forces with Rammie before the match to pose for selfies with fans and share the message about the dangers of illegal money lenders and how to spot the signs of a loan shark.
The Derby players also helped spread the word by wearing special Stop Loan Sharks t-shirts as they warmed up before the match.
Anyone who shares their selfies from Saturday’s match and tags Stop Loan Sharks England in their post can be in with a chance of winning one of the shirts which has been signed by Derby’s experienced midfielder.
Tony Quigley, head of Stop Loan Sharks, also known as the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “It was fantastic to be at the match on Saturday and to see so many fans keen to have their picture with Sid. Thanks so much to all the Derby County players and staff for having us along and doing so much to help us raise awareness about illegal lending. We are especially grateful to Conor Hourihane for signing a shirt for us and helping to support our campaign.
“Illegal lenders make life a misery for borrowers and we are determined to do whatever we can to help stop these criminals in their tracks.
“If you share your selfies from Saturday and tag us you’ll not only be in with a chance of winning the signed t-shirt, you’ll also help in the fight against illegal money lenders.”
Stop Loan Sharks can be found on Facebook @StopLoanSharksEngland and on Instagram @stoploansharksengland
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, charging extortionate interest rates. They often resort to threats, intimidation and even violence if repayments are not made.
The IMLT investigates and prosecutes illegal lenders in England and supports borrowers. This year marks its 20th anniversary of stopping loan sharks.
Since its launch, the IMLT has supported over 31,500 people and written off over £91.2 million worth of illegal debt, securing over 416 prosecutions for illegal money lending, leading to 598 years in jail.
Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
