Not sure what a loan shark is?
If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions you might be borrowing from a loan shark:
- Did they offer you a cash loan?
- Did they not give you paperwork?
- Did they add huge amounts of interest or APR to your loan?
- Have they threatened you?
- Are you scared of people finding out?
- Have they taken your bank card, benefit card, passport, watch or other valuables from you?
You are not in trouble if you have borrowed cash or have been paying back a loan from an illegal money lender, the loan shark is. They are the people committing a crime, not you.
By looking on our website, you have taken the first step to getting your life back and managing your money and debts. We will keep you safe while we investigate the loan shark.
We’re here for you, Report a Loan Shark
Stop Loan Sharks will help you. We understand that reporting a loan shark is scary but we will help keep you safe. Complete our form below to safely and confidentially report a loan shark to our team. We can help.
You can complete the form if you think you are paying money to a loan shark or if you know someone who is. You can report a loan shark or illegal money lender to us in full confidence and completely anonymously.
After you have reported a loan shark to us we will ring you, if you want us to – at a time to suit you – and talk to you about what has happened.
If you are worried about someone you know, you can complete our form below or call our 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 for confidential advice and support. We’ll check the lender out, talk to you about your concerns and let you know what steps you can take to help the person.
Please complete as much information as you can or call us on 0300 555 2222. Our team are here to speak to you any time of day or night. If you are in Wales or Scotland, please contact your national team for help.
Worried about someone else?
Anyone can be a victim of a loan shark – your family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and even you. If you’re worried that someone you know is involved with a loan shark, we have some advice and tips to help you support them.
How do I know if it’s really a loan shark debt?
Common warning signs include:
- Debt that keeps growing even though they’re making regular payments
- Saying bad things will happen to them if they don’t pay on time
- Feeling afraid or anxious about visitors to their home
- Stopping seeing friends and family – emotionally withdrawing from others
- Handing over all their benefits and money to someone they owe money to
- Handing over personal items (bank card, passport, jewellery) to someone they owe money to
- Receiving threatening text messages about money being owed
- Being forced into having sex or committing crimes to pay off their debts
- Being anxious, depressed, withdrawn and experiencing suicidal thoughts
- Showing signs of physical violence, such as bruises, sprains or cuts
- Not wanting to leave their house and shutting curtains to avoid being noticed
If you’re worried a friend or loved one is involved with a loan shark, letting the person know you are concerned about them might help them take the first step and access support. They might not be ready to talk but any information you can get from them could help start an investigation into the loan shark.
What Do I Do If Someone Has Told Me About The Loan Shark?
If someone confides in you that they are involved with a loan shark, it’s important you don’t blame but show empathy to their situation.
It can be harrowing to listen to someone you care about disclosing they are suffering at the hands of a loan shark. We are here to help you – you don’t have to give your details (or your friends/family members) we can just talk you through their options, and the ways you can help.
You can check the FCA register to see if the lender is authorised or send us a message on Live Chat and we’ll check for you.