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Stop Loan Sharks England

15 hours ago

Stop Loan Sharks England
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

1 day ago

Stop Loan Sharks England
📱 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

Stop Loan Sharks England
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

6 days ago

Stop Loan Sharks England
🎉 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

Stop Loan Sharks England
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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SLSEngland
slsengland 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/

Reply on Twitter 2073051176677896197 Retweet on Twitter 2073051176677896197 1 Like on Twitter 2073051176677896197 Twitter 2073051176677896197
slsengland 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

Reply on Twitter 2072596419404321250 Retweet on Twitter 2072596419404321250 Like on Twitter 2072596419404321250 2 Twitter 2072596419404321250
slsengland 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/

Reply on Twitter 2071184386087703007 Retweet on Twitter 2071184386087703007 1 Like on Twitter 2071184386087703007 2 Twitter 2071184386087703007
slsengland Stop Loan Sharks England @slsengland ·
25 Jun

📱 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 confidence. #StopLoanSharks #SupportWhenYouNeedIt

Reply on Twitter 2070258284473286782 Retweet on Twitter 2070258284473286782 4 Like on Twitter 2070258284473286782 2 Twitter 2070258284473286782
slsengland 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:

Reply on Twitter 2069420533049872650 Retweet on Twitter 2069420533049872650 1 Like on Twitter 2069420533049872650 1 Twitter 2069420533049872650
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What is a loan shark?

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 quick loan?
  • Did they appear to be a friend at first, but now you're not so sure?
  • Did they say there was no need for any paperwork?
  • Did they add extra charges or huge amounts of interest to your loan?
  • Have they threatened you?
  • Are you scared of people finding out?
  • Have they taken your bank card, passport, or other valuables from you?

What happens after you get in touch?

We will be with you at every step of the way. Our investigators work alongside our Liaise Officers. They will get you the one to one support you need.

After you get in touch with us you will be offered the support you need. If you decide to report a loan shark, our investigators take the information you give us and look into what is going on. Their aim is to gather enough evidence to build a case against the illegal lender.

How we help

Stop Loan Sharks investigate, prosecute and put loan sharks in prison. We are the only organisation in England who have the power to stop loan sharks and illegal money lenders.

Since 2004, we have supported over 32,500 people to get safely away from loan sharks.

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