Menu
03/03/2009
New Measures To Combat Loan Sharks
Fresh measures to tackle criminals illegally lending money were announced today by Consumer Affairs Minister Gareth Thomas.
The national hotline - which is confidential - is now up and running and gives consumers one single point of contact.
A new website has also been launched providing information on managing finances and how to borrow money safely.
The Stop Loan Sharks teams have successfully prosecuted more than 60 people with a further 90 prosecutions underway. This amounts to nearly 40 years of custodial sentences for illegal lending and associated crimes.
The teams have supported more than 7,000 victims of illegal money lenders. The first two pilot schemes were launched in September 2004 and then rolled out to every region of England, Wales and Scotland in 2007.
Their work has meant around £14million has been saved for consumers who were locked in illegal deals with these money lenders.
Consumer Affairs Minister, Gareth Thomas, said: "Loan sharks fleece hard-earned cash from their victims causing great distress and anguish.
"Calling this hotline gives victims the chance to talk in confidence. They get advice and support and the information provided helps the team to take action to stop illegal money lending.
"The teams are having huge success in bringing these criminals to justice and are saving consumers significant amounts of money."
The national hotline - which is confidential - is: 0300 555 2222. And the website is: www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks Consumers can also text 'loan (space) shark (space) and your message' to 60003.
(JM/BMcC)
The national hotline - which is confidential - is now up and running and gives consumers one single point of contact.
A new website has also been launched providing information on managing finances and how to borrow money safely.
The Stop Loan Sharks teams have successfully prosecuted more than 60 people with a further 90 prosecutions underway. This amounts to nearly 40 years of custodial sentences for illegal lending and associated crimes.
The teams have supported more than 7,000 victims of illegal money lenders. The first two pilot schemes were launched in September 2004 and then rolled out to every region of England, Wales and Scotland in 2007.
Their work has meant around £14million has been saved for consumers who were locked in illegal deals with these money lenders.
Consumer Affairs Minister, Gareth Thomas, said: "Loan sharks fleece hard-earned cash from their victims causing great distress and anguish.
"Calling this hotline gives victims the chance to talk in confidence. They get advice and support and the information provided helps the team to take action to stop illegal money lending.
"The teams are having huge success in bringing these criminals to justice and are saving consumers significant amounts of money."
The national hotline - which is confidential - is: 0300 555 2222. And the website is: www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks Consumers can also text 'loan (space) shark (space) and your message' to 60003.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 July 2005
'Loan shark hunters' make first catch
A loan shark who made around £800,000 by targeting vulnerable people has been jailed after becoming the first person to be caught by a new government funded team of loan shark hunters.
'Loan shark hunters' make first catch
A loan shark who made around £800,000 by targeting vulnerable people has been jailed after becoming the first person to be caught by a new government funded team of loan shark hunters.
16 April 2007
Machete loan shark described as "parasite"
Consumer Minister Ian McCartney has welcomed the jailing of a loan shark "parasite" who kidnapped a customer and beat him with a baseball bat before cutting him with a machete.
Machete loan shark described as "parasite"
Consumer Minister Ian McCartney has welcomed the jailing of a loan shark "parasite" who kidnapped a customer and beat him with a baseball bat before cutting him with a machete.
12 February 2008
Watch Out! Illegal Downloaders Facing Internet ban
The six million people who download music and films illegally in the UK every year are going to have to watch their backs - as well as their pirated movies. A planned Government crackdown - to be announced next week - will target those caught illegally downloading music and films and try to have them banned from the Internet.
Watch Out! Illegal Downloaders Facing Internet ban
The six million people who download music and films illegally in the UK every year are going to have to watch their backs - as well as their pirated movies. A planned Government crackdown - to be announced next week - will target those caught illegally downloading music and films and try to have them banned from the Internet.
22 September 2006
Police force admits rejecting white recruits
Gloucestershire police force has admitted illegally rejecting over 100 potential recruits because they were white men. The police force admitted 'randomly deselecting' men in order to meet government targets to boost the number of ethnic minority and female recruits in its ranks.
Police force admits rejecting white recruits
Gloucestershire police force has admitted illegally rejecting over 100 potential recruits because they were white men. The police force admitted 'randomly deselecting' men in order to meet government targets to boost the number of ethnic minority and female recruits in its ranks.
18 June 2013
Call Centres Featured In BBC Programme Fined For Nuisance Calls
Fines for nuisance calls have been issued to two companies, which recently appeared in the BBC Three series the Call Centre.
Call Centres Featured In BBC Programme Fined For Nuisance Calls
Fines for nuisance calls have been issued to two companies, which recently appeared in the BBC Three series the Call Centre.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
