Loan sharks and illegal lending

An estimated 310,000 families in the UK use illegal money lenders or loan sharks. People who borrow from loan sharks end up paying very high rates of interest. If they can't pay the loan back, they may face intimidation, harassment or violence.

To help people who have borrowed from loan sharks, a telephone hotline has been set up to make it easier to report illegal money lenders. The number is 0300 555 2222.

People who contact the team will be offered support and confidential advice.

The loan shark team have already prosecuted more than 180 loan sharks in the UK and are there to help you.