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Illegal money lending

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Illegal money lending is a crime. Newham Trading Standards want to crack down on loan sharks. If you are experiencing problems with a loan shark, there is help out there!

Loan sharks are...

illegal moneylenders. They lend when nobody else will, but with very high interest rates. Borrowers may find it difficult to keep up the repayments.

  • You might be forced to get a second loan to pay up;
  • Lenders may turn very nasty if you fall behind with your payments.
  • They prey on vulnerable people like the lone parents or unemployed.
  • They may force you to hand over Social Security Benefit Claim Books as security against loans.

If you know of a loan shark in your area or a victim of one...

Tell us to stop them and protect other people.

If you have information on illegal lenders please contact Newham Trading Standards on 020 8430 3869 - your information will be treated in confidence.

You can also

  • Call 020 7364 6886 (you don't need to give your name)
  • Email sharkbait@lotsa.org.uk
  • Text Shark Bait (with your message) to 60003

Or contact: Consumer Direct - 08454 04 05 06

Your information could help us to stop someone else being conned.

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