How you can stay clear of loan sharks’ jaws
PEOPLE in West Lancashire are being warned not to borrow cash from loan sharks this Christmas if they are having money problems.
Loan sharks are illegal money lenders who often target low income families.
They may seem friendly to start with, but borrowing money from them is never a good idea even if your credit rating is poor or you only need a small amount of money for a short while.
You will pay far more interest than you would through legal borrowing.
Some loan sharks resort to intimidation and violence after they have lent you money, and you are often pressured into borrowing more money to repay one debt with another.
West Lancashire Borough Council offers a free, independent and confidential Rent and Money Advice Service to council tenants.
Advisers can help with debt problems, and offer advice on how to manage bills, claim benefits, and negotiate debt payment programmes.
They can also advise on alternatives to loan sharks such as credit unions, and Knowsley Mutual Credit Union www.knowsleymutualcu.co.uk is one that operates in West Lancashire.
For info please visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/moneyadvice
To use the service call the team on 01695 585252, or email money.advice@westlancs.gov.uk
An appointment can be made to visit you at home or in one of the council’s customer service points in Skelmersdale or Ormskirk.
If you are not a council tenant contact Citizens Advice on 0344 245 1294 for advice and support.
Citizens Advice Lancashire West is based in unit 47 at the Concourse Centre in Skelmersdale, and the website is www.citizensadvicelancashirewest.org.uk
Cllr Jennifer Patterson, portfolio holder for Housing and Landlord Services, said: “The festive season is a time when we want to treat our family with nice presents or want to go all out to make Christmas Day really special.
“If you are short of money and struggling for credit then going to a loan shark can be tempting.
“But in the long run this can create massive problems for you and your family.
“So if you are one of our tenants please call our Rent and Money Advice Service so you don’t fall into the loan shark trap.”
Some loan sharks will threaten you by saying you will be prosecuted and even sent to prison if you don’t pay them.
This is not true, as an unlicensed lender a loan shark has no legal right to recover the debt.
Any lender – licensed or unlicensed – who harasses you is breaking the law.
To report a loan shark problem and get help you can:
Call the national government hotline: 0300 555 2222
Email: reportaloanshark@ stoploansharks.gov.uk
Text LOAN SHARK and the lender’s details to 60003