Stop Loan Sharks
We work alongside the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) to raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks
Make sure your lender is legal!
It’s easy to be tempted to borrow from the number on that card that’s just dropped through your letterbox or the “friend” you meet whilst out and about. Anyone borrowing from an unauthorised lender may not receive paperwork, be charged extortionate interest or even threatened if they can’t pay.
Check if your lender is legal by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority Website – https://register.fca.org.uk/s/
If you make the decision to borrow, a safe and ethical organisation such as Wave Community Bank may be able to help.
If you believe you have borrowed from an illegal lender, don’t worry – you’ve not done anything wrong! For specialist advice please call the Stop Loan Sharks team on 0300 555 2222 or visit https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/
Don’t let a loan shark take advantage of you
Read our Blog
Fear as more people turn to loan sharks this Christmas
Loan sharks are targeting people as they strugle with rising costs. #Sleighnotoloansharks this Christmas.
Are you having a fling with a loan shark?
You may not even realise that the person you met online is a loan shark. Here’s some of signs to watch out for.
Back to School
You can get help with back to school costs so you don’t need to turn to a loan shark..
Avoid Loan Sharks this summer
Be aware of how to recognise a loan shark this summer.
Are you falling in love with a loan shark?
How to look out for Loan Sharks that are using online dating sites to target women.
Make sure you leave loan sharks in last year
How to spot loan sharks online in the New Year.
Swipe left on Loan Sharks this Christmas
Don’t be caught out by a loan shark. Read the signs here.
Fighting against loan sharks at Christmas
Read more on what we’re doing to fight against Loan Sharks this Christmas.
Keep the Loan Sharks at Bay at Christmas
Read how loan sharks are targeting people this time of year.
Have you been caught by a Loan Shark?
The Illegal Money Lending Team England are available to support you if you have become involved with a loan shark or if you are worried about someone else.
Anyone needing support can get in touch via the Stop Loan Sharks App or by calling the 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222. Live Chat is available on their website www.stoploansharks.co.uk 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday as well as lots of helpful information on how to spot an illegal money lender.
Stop Loan Sharks App
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) have launched a smartphone app to make it quicker and easier for people to report loan sharks and access support services.
The Stop Loan Sharks app, includes a contact form and phone number to report loan sharks, as well as information to help victims of illegal money lending to get support and advice on the tell-tale signs that someone is a loan shark
The app was funded from cash recovered from loan sharks under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
The Stop Loan Sharks app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Report a Loan Shark
Remember, you aren’t breaking the law by borrowing from a loan shark – they are the ones breaking the law by lending money and charging interest when they are not a regulated lender.
For advice, support, or to report a loan shark in confidence, visit the Stop Loan Sharks website here.
Follow Us on TikTok! @wavecommunitybank
Swipe left on loan sharks
Say no to loan sharks
Recognising a loan shark
Watch out for loan sharks
How to report a loan shark
Be Debt Free
Don’t unwrap a loan shark this Christmas
Don’t meet a loan shark online
Don’t get caught out
Opening Hours
Our phones are open Monday to Friday between 9.30am-1.00pm and we continue to monitor our emails between 9.30am to 4.00pm.
Contact Us
Phone: 0300 303 3188
Email: info@wavecb.org.uk
Face-to-face appointments at Hove Town Hall by arrangement only.
Addresses:
East Sussex, Brighton & Hove:
Tisbury Road Offices, Hove Town Hall, Tisbury Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ
Kent, Medway and Bexley:
39-48 Marsham Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1HH
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Wave Community Bank serves members in East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Kent, Medway and the London Borough of Bexley, plus members of Unite in the South East Region. Withdrawals over £5000 will take 5 working days to process
Wave Community Bank is a trading name of East Sussex Credit Union Ltd.Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. FCA Firm no 213910
