Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Paramilitary loan sharks ‘targeting vulnerable at their most desperate’
New ad campaign shows dangers of terror gang borrowing
RISING living costs could force more people into the clutches of paramilitary money lenders, it is feared.
The concerns emerged as Justice Minister Naomi Long launched a new campaign aimed at steering the vulnerable away from loan sharks.
Adverts tell the story of how a small loan from a paramilitary can quickly escalate out of control.
One focuses on the victim and her experience of the loan, with the second highlighting the paramilitary lender and her actions.
Ms Long said: “We know from research and evidence paramilitary gangs and those linked to them use illegal money lending to try to coerce and control people.
“When this campaign launched in June I said illegal money lending is an under-reported crime that targets vulnerable people when they are at their most desperate.
“In the current climate, people are experiencing real financial challenges. With the ongoing pandemic, increasing energy and fuel costs and Christmas just round the corner, many people are vulnerable and really worried.
“But support and help is available. I would encourage all victims of criminal behaviour like this to contact the police.”
Advice NI’S chief Bob Strong said: “People are turning to our advisers in increasing numbers.
“Over the last quarter we have seen a spike in the number of people contacting advice centres and our regional helplines. Debt advisers are also dealing with more people experiencing financial difficulties, some of whom are turning to illegal and high-cost money lenders to make ends meet.”
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Mark Mcewan said: “Individuals can use this time of year to exploit the most vulnerable.
“They offer unregulated loans which on first sight seem attractive as there are no forms to be completed or credit checks.
“These criminals set unreasonable interest rates and expensive penalties which borrowers can’t afford. When people fall behind with payments, they use the threat of exposure, embarrassment and violence.
“I would encourage anyone who feels they have been caught in such a situation to report it on the nonemergency number 101, or submit a report online using our nonemergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/ makeareport/.”
The ACC added people can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppersuk.org/.
Advice NI urged people to call its confidential helpline
on 0800 915 4604.
Help is available & I encourage all victims to contact the police NAOMI LONG JUSTICE MINISTER YESTERDAY