Online loan shark survey launched
The England Illegal Money Lending Team will be encouraging people to think about loan sharks and what they would do if they were a victim as part of an online survey.
The team will use the survey to see how aware people are of the dangers of loan sharks, and how many people would know if they or someone they knew was being targeted. The survey encourages people to report the crime if they have been a victim and asks people what their preferred method of communication would be- via phone, text or email.
It provides an opportunity for anyone who believes a loan shark may be operating to leave details and report the crime.
The information will be collated, published and used to improve the ways in which the Team engage with communities. One participant as chosen at random will receive a £20 voucher.
To take part visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/G7RC5WX (opens in a new window) before Saturday 1st June 2013.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team work in partnership with Trading Standards Authorities across the country to investigate illegal money lending and related criminality, bringing offenders to justice. They have secured 222 prosecutions leading to more than 150 years worth of custodial sentences, written off £40million worth of illegal debt and helped over 19,000 victims.
The majority of illegal money lenders who the team investigate appear friendly at first but trap borrowers into spiralling debt. Paperwork is rarely provided and the loan sharks are often unclear on the terms of the loan so borrowers often loose track. Extra amounts and interest payments are added at random. Some loan sharks will take items as security, including passports and bank cards in order to withdraw from borrowers' accounts leaving them with little or nothing to get by on.
Tony Quigley Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team said
"We value the opinion of the public as it helps us to discover more about how loan sharks affect our communities and target our awareness raising accordingly. Illegal money lending is a despicable crime, which leaves people living in misery and fear. We would urge anyone who knows of a loan shark operating to call us on 0300 555 2222. Our lines are open 24/7 and all calls are treated in confidence"
To report a loan shark:
- Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222
- Text 'loan shark + your message' to 60003
- Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
- Private message us on www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject (opens in a new window)
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Derbyshire Wildlife Trust unveils nature-led vision for Common Farm in Amber Valley A 34-hectare site in Amber Valley is beginning a remarkable transformation into a thriving nature read more | |
| Local charities share community funding from Alfreton and Somercotes funeral directors Three community projects making a positive impact on peoples quality of life in and around Alf read more | |
| Belper teenager completes 160km horse ride in just two days A 14-year-old rider from Belper has completed her first 160km endurance ride with her horse, Cotswolds Shaquille. read more | |
| Iconic Alfreton Pub Closes For A Six-Figure Revamp A landmark pub in the centre of Alfreton is closing next week for a £175,000 makeover to help it thrive for the long term. read more | |
| National Tramway Museum brings A New Chapter With Major Save the Date Announcement The National Tramway Museum has today announced a Save the Date ahead of what promises to be a lan read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
