We're supporting a national campaign which aims to tackle illegal online money lending.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) launched the #SharkFreeSurfing campaign this week to warn of the dangers of online loan sharks.
The campaign comes amid concerns more people are falling prey to unscrupulous lenders online as statistics show one in five victims met their lender on social media in the first half of 2020.
Loan sharks are increasingly using social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, to advertise illegal loans and to target potential victims.
These criminals will lure people in with seemingly attractive loan offers but will quickly resort to intimidation, threats and violence to enforce repayment and trap borrowers in a spiral of debt.
It is hoped that the campaign will help encourage not just victims but the wider community to report online illegal money lending activity.
Report suspicious loan adverts
Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “We are aware that loan sharks are becoming more active on social media, particularly in community groups and on local selling pages, which we will not tolerate. Loan sharks are using online platforms to advertise their predatory lending activities and target potential victims. People throughout our communities are struggling financially due to the pandemic and the increased pressures to not only meet monthly bills, but also the added expense of Christmas, may make them more at risk of being targeted by illegal money lenders.
“I urge people to remain vigilant when online – if you spot a suspicious loan advert on social media, report it to us. If you need to borrow money, always check the lender is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and contact your local credit union about ethical financial products and services.”
Protecting vulnerable residents
Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Economic Growth and Regulation, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the Illegal Money Lending Team’s campaign. We have all been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and it is despicable that criminals are looking to take advantage of vulnerable people in these challenging times. We are committed to protecting our residents from loan sharks and we will continue to work with the IMLT to stamp out this illegal practice. I would encourage residents to contact the IMLT if they have already fallen foul of illegal loan sharks or if they spot suspicious money-lending adverts. Residents can also download the Stop Loan Sharks app to help protect themselves in the future.”
Protect yourself from online loan sharks
- Know who you're dealing with. If you've only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a lender, take some time to do a bit more research.
- Check the lender is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If not, don’t borrow from them - report to the Stop Loan Sharks team.
- Beware of loan adverts with no credit checks. Loan sharks have been known to advertise in community groups and on local selling pages. They may seem friendly and accommodating, but their behaviour can quickly change, and you might be harassed or threatened if you get behind with your repayments. Lenders must carry out credit checks to make sure borrowers can afford to pay back their loans. You should never hand over your bank details to strangers, even if they lure you with attractive offers. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Beware of any requests for your details or money. Loan sharks may ask for copies of your passport or pictures of your house, the street and your house number. Never send money or give card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust.
If you suspect someone may be a loan shark or they are acting inappropriately, you can report them anonymously online or by calling the Stop Loan Sharks Helpline on 0300 555 2222.
Alternatively, you can email the team reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or access support via live chat on the website Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
The Stop Loan Sharks App is free to download on both iOS and Android devices from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.