Dozens of organisations have joined a new 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, officially launched its We Will Help You Make the Call campaign today. Over 50 organisations have already signed up, some with several branches, and many more are in the pipeline.
The aim is to build an extensive network of physical access points across England’s towns and cities 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, with staff on hand to give support if needed.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said he was delighted with the response so far and hoped many more access points would be created in the near future.
He said: “Our team members are available 24/7 via our confidential helpline, but we don’t 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.
“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 virtually 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 so many have already agreed to join the network. It means more people in areas affected by illegal lending will now have a clear route to the help they need.”
Staff at each of the participating organisations 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.
Tamworth Borough Council is one of the first organisations to have joined the network.
Councillor Sarah Daniels, portfolio holder for co-operative council, community partnerships and antisocial behaviour, said: “We’re proud to be one of the first councils to support this vital initiative. Illegal lenders prey on vulnerable people in difficult circumstances, often causing unimaginable stress, fear and financial harm. By becoming an official access point for Stop Loan Sharks, we’re sending a clear message – help is here, and no one has to face this alone. Our staff are ready to provide a safe, supportive space and guide people towards the expert help they need.”
Tamworth is one of a number of local authorities that have signed up alongside Citizens Advice offices, housing associations, credit unions, charities and many other community organisations across the country.
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, hosted by Birmingham City Council, that was set up over 20 years ago to investigate and prosecute illegal lenders and support borrowers. Since then, the team has supported around 32,500 people and secured over 430 successful prosecutions, with illegal lenders locked up for more than 612 years. More than £91.6 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.
To see the full list of Stop Loan Sharks Access Points and to find out more about how to get involved, go to www.stoploansharks.co.uk/help-you-make-the-call/ 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.
