Illegal money lenders

Have you taken out a loan with an illegal moneylender, often called 'loan sharks'?

Because they're not licensed, loan sharks operate outside the law. If you borrow from them it's likely you'll:

• Get a loan on very bad terms
• Pay a massive 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.

If you have borrowed money from a loan shark you are under no legal obligation to repay the debt. You should contact Trading Standards immediately. They will help you deal with your situation and the loan shark.

You can contact South Tyneside Trading Standards on 0191 424 7896 or 0191 424 4402 or phone the in-confidence helpline on 0300 555 2222.