Support if you’re worried about illegal money lending
Helping Wirral residents understand the risks and access safe, confidential support.
What is a loan shark?
A loan shark is someone who lends money without the legal authority to do so.
They may seem friendly at first, but many use intimidation or threats to control the people they lend to. They often charge extremely high interest and keep changing what they say is owed.
If you’ve borrowed from a loan shark, remember:
- You’re not to blame
- You’re not in trouble
- The loan shark is committing a crime
Help is available, and you don’t have to deal with it on your own.
How to spot a loan shark
Loan sharks don’t always look how people expect. They could be someone you know, a neighbour, someone introduced by a friend or even someone advertising through social media.
You may be dealing with a loan shark if they:
- Offer cash quickly without proper checks
- Don’t provide a loan agreement or paperwork
- Won’t tell you how much you owe
- Keep adding extra charges or interest
- Ask to keep your bank card or valuables
- Pressure you into borrowing more
- Use threats or intimidation
- Tell you to keep the loan a secret
If any of these sound familiar, it’s important to seek advice as soon as you can.
Working with Stop Loan Sharks
We’re proud to work alongside the England Illegal Money Lending Team, also known as Stop Loan Sharks.
Stop Loan Sharks investigates illegal lenders across England and supports people affected by loan sharks.
If you’re worried about yourself or someone you know, it’s never too late to ask for help. Everything is handled confidentially, and support is available at every stage.
We’re a Make That Call partner
Wirral Credit Union is a Stop Loan Sharks Make That Call partner.
That means our team can provide a safe place for you to take the first step if contacting Stop Loan Sharks feels difficult.
We can help you:
- Talk through what’s happened
- Contact Stop Loan Sharks by phone, online or live chat
- Understand what happens next
- Access support in a safe space
Sometimes, that first call is the hardest part, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Worried about someone else?
If you think a friend, family member, neighbour or colleague may be involved with a loan shark, encourage them to seek support.
Many people feel frightened or embarrassed about asking for help, so a little reassurance can go a long way.
Remember to let them know:
- They are not in trouble
- Help is confidential
- They won’t be judged
- Support is available whenever they’re ready
Get help today
If you’re worried about illegal money lending, we’re here to listen.
You can speak to our team, or contact Stop Loan Sharks directly.
Stop Loan Sharks
24-hour helpline: 0300 555 2222
WhatsApp: 07700 102773
Online: www.stoploansharks.co.uk
Live chat: Available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm through the Stop Loan Sharks website
If you’d like to talk things through first, get in touch with our team. We’ll listen and explain your options to help you take the next step.
