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Stop loan sharks!

Published: 21/10/2022

Flintshire County Council is supporting a campaign aims to raise awareness of illegal money lenders, more commonly known as loan sharks, and educate those at risk of the implications when engaging with these individuals.

Illegal money lending is on the rise and is known to have serious consequences and yet, people across Wales are still seeing this as their only option. Times are tough and the impact of the pandemic, combined with the increase in the cost of living, means people are struggling to make ends meet - with many unable to cover everyday expenses such as clothing, paying bills or feeding their family. The temptation of falling into an illegal money lender’s trap will seem like the only option.

We want to make people aware of the dangers of illegal money lenders, who they are, where they are and what they can do. We need to raise awareness of Stop Loan Sharks Wales as a place where victims can get the help and support they need.

Cabinet Member for Planning, Public Health and Public Protection, Councillor Chris Bithell, said:

“Flintshire is committed to helping residents cope with financial difficulties in the current climate and that’s why we recently launched the “cost of living support hub” on our website.

“Equally, we need to make people aware of how to avoid these unscrupulous individuals who prey on vulnerable and desperate people.  They may appear friendly and helpful at first, but they can lead people down the path of spiralling debt.  That’s why we are supporting the ‘Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit’ campaign to raise awareness of how to avoid loan sharks and how to get help and support.”

The cost of borrowing from the wrong people could be higher than you think.  A victim in a Welsh community borrowed £100 from an illegal money lender, but over 10 years they were forced to pay back £96,000!  For safe, confidential advice and support call

0300 123 3311 or visit stoploansharkswales.co.uk.