Loan shark investigators respond to intelligence in Durham
Local landlords say there has been hearsay that a number of residents in smaller villages are falling victim to illegal lenders.
Residents in East Durham villages are being warned they could fall victim to loan sharks as investigators target the area.
Local landlords say they've been contacted by residents concerned that friends and relatives could be falling foul to illegal money lenders.
All this week, there has been an awareness event taking place in Shotton Colliery.
East Durham Homes, together with the National Trading Standards Illegal Money Lending Team and NEFirst Credit Union, have been running a number of events and leaflet drops to raise awareness of the perils of fraudulent lending and loan shark activities.
Heather Wake, Senior Employment and Support Officer at East Durham Homes, said: “If you think you are a victim of illegal money lending, this is nothing to be ashamed of as help is at hand.
“Quite often loan sharks target society’s most vulnerable, and then use threatening behaviour, violence and intimidation, so people can feel trapped.
“Officers at our events can offer free and confidential advice on the next steps to take if you think you have been targeted; as after all, loan sharks are criminals.”
Tony Quigley, Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team said: “Illegal money lenders can have a horrific impact on our communities, and should never be used under any circumstances.
“It is important for people to realise that alternatives to borrowing from loan sharks are available if you are in financial difficulty.”
If residents think that there are illegal money lenders operating in their area they can call the Illegal Money Lending Team anonymously on 0300 555 2222, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or text LOAN SHARK and the lender’s details to 0786 002 2116.
For more information visit www.gov.uk/report-loan-shark