Halton Borough Council Trading Standards is supporting a national awareness campaign which has launched to highlight the devastating impact of loan sharks in England and encourage borrowers to seek support.
Stop Loan Sharks Week 2025, led by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), aims to shine a spotlight on the dangers of illegal lenders and the help available for those caught in their grip.
The theme this year is ‘We’re here whenever you’re ready’, highlighting the no-pressure, supportive approach taken when borrowers find the bravery to report a loan shark.
“Being in debt to an illegal lender is more than just a financial burden – it can be terrifying, isolating, and emotionally exhausting,” said Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT. “For many, it feels like being trapped in a nightmare with no way out.”
“We want to reassure people that any information shared is treated in the strictest confidence,” he said. “There’s no pressure – we’re here to help, not to make things harder.”
Cllr Andrea Wall, Executive board member for community safety for Halton Borough Council, said: “Loan sharks are a scourge on our society. The damage done to individuals and families caught up in debt to illegal lenders is horrendous. We as a community must work together to rid our area of this illegal activity and ensure that victims are given the support they need. I encourage anybody that is the victim of a loan shark to get support from Stop Loan Sharks, they and Halton Trading Standards are there to support you.”
People targeted by loan sharks often feel trapped, with many borrowing more to stay afloat, only to fall deeper under control of their lender.
Fear, shame, and intimidation frequently stop victims from seeking help. According to the latest Stop Loan Sharks figures, it can take an average of four years for someone to come forward. In 2024, nearly half (49%) of those who did also reported mental health struggles – the highest rate on record. Around 93% of borrowers reported feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression and 40% said they had considered or attempted suicide.
There are 1.08 million people currently in debt to loan sharks in England, according to the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). That’s roughly 2% of the population who may be feeling trapped and alone.
Anyone who thinks they may have been targeted by an illegal lender Is urged to contact the Stop Loan Sharks team as soon as possible.
- Call: 0300 555 2222 (24/7 confidential helpline)
- Text: 07860 022116
- Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
- Visit the website stoploansharks.co.uk where there is aa reporting form and a Live Chat option, available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.