Advice on tackling loan sharks

A TEAM of experts is offering to help Warrington organisations, or groups of individuals, to tackle loan sharks.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team will deliver a free session to groups to give them the skills to identify potential loan shark activity in their community and know where to report the information.
It will also give a greater insight into loan sharking, help identify the needs of the victims and explain why people use loan sharks.
The team will also support the development of a community action plan to combat the problem.
The session lasts up to two hours. All that is required is a willingness to participate and a venue. On completion each participant will receive a certificate endorsed by the team.
Cllr David Keane, Warrington Borough Council’s member for environment and public protection, said: “Loan sharks do untold damage to our communities. They use violence and intimidation against their victims and they are often involved in other criminal activity such as drug dealing and counterfeiting. If you want to get involved with the fight against loan sharks I would urge you to sign up for this free training.”
To arrange a session please ring 07500 882929 or email [email protected]
To report a loan shark phone 0300 555 2222 (local call rate, including inclusive minutes from mobiles)
For general consumer advice ring Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk