Every year the England Illegal Money Lending Team run Stop Loan Sharks Week.
This year’s theme is ‘People pretending to be something they are not’. The Illegal Money Lending Team have picked this theme as 56% of people they supported over the past year believed the illegal lender was their friend at the time at which they took out the loan.
Illegal lenders can be clever, charismatic, manipulative people who are very charming until you cross them. People don’t often choose to borrow from an illegal lender, but many might take up the offer of a small loan from someone who appears to be a well-meaning friend. These false friends can make it seem like they are doing you a favour, but quickly turn nasty when you challenge them over the amount being repaid or miss a payment. That’s when the mask slips and they show their true face.
If you think you have been targeted by an illegal lender you can find the help you need at https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/
