Spotting and stopping loan sharks

We’ve partnered with Stop Loan Sharks to help raise loan shark awareness, which is particularly common during Christmas, when money can feel tight.

What is a loan shark?

A loan shark is an unlicensed moneylender who often targets families on low incomes or people who find themselves in difficult times. Licensed moneylenders are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and must follow the FCA's codes of practice. 

What are the dangers of using loan sharks?

Because they operate outside the law, if you borrow money from loan sharks then it's likely you'll:

• get a loan on very bad terms
• pay a huge rate of interest
• be harassed if you get behind with your repayments
• be pressured into borrowing more from them to repay one debt with another.

This could lead to problems such as paying your rent, or committing tenancy fraud to try and make the money back. It can also lead to poor mental health because of the stress and pressure to repay the loan.

How do I spot a loan shark?

There are a few ways to recognise if someone might be a loan shark:

• They offered you a cash loan.
• They didn’t give you any paperwork for your loan.
• They added a large amount of interest or APR to your loan.
• They’ve threatened you or taken valuables from you.

Often, people tend to think that loan sharks are their friends when they take out the loan – and only realise further down the line who the person really is.

What can I do if I’m in trouble with a loan shark?

An estimated 1.08 million people in England are currently in debt to a loan shark, but free and confidential support is available.

We understand that reporting a loan shark can be worrying but Stop Loan Sharks can help you. They can prosecute loan sharks and illegal money lenders and have helped more than 30,000 people so far.

If you think you know of a loan shark or you think you’ve borrowed money from one, you can report them on the Stop Loan Sharks website or by calling 0300 555 2222.

We're also here to support you. Please call our Hub team on 0345 60 20 540 or email us on tenancyservices@midlandheart.org.uk  if you've been a victim of loan shark activity.

If you’re worried about paying your rent or would like to talk to someone about your financial situation, you can reach out to our Money Advice Team who are on hand to help with free and confidential advice.