Sefton Council is backing a campaign by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) which aims to bring awareness to the issue of how parents are affected by loan sharks.



The campaign is designed to shows the devastating effect illegal money lending has on residents in the borough and beyond, in a bid to raise awareness of the rights of victims, and the help available to them.

Councillor Trish Hardy, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The Council is fully committed to highlighting the issue of loan sharks so that we can tackle those responsible.

“By working with a number of other organisations, we can make sure that our resources are more effectively targeted to help victims or anyone affected by this illegal activity.”

Tony Quigley, head of service for the Illegal Money Lending Team added; “There are many misconceptions surrounding illegal money lending, in particular the ‘sort’ of people targeted and exploited by loan sharks.

“We hope this new video will help to dispel some of those myths and encourage anyone affected by illegal money lending to get in touch, so we can help.

“We have secured more than 380 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to nearly 329 years’ worth of custodial sentences. We have written off £73.7 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 28,000 people.

“The message is clear; you are not in trouble if you have borrowed cash or have been paying back a loan from an illegal money lender, the loan shark is. They are the people committing a crime, not you.”

To report a loan shark call the 24/7 confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222 or text a report to 078600 22116.