Stop Loan Sharks Week 2025 runs from 19–25 May, and this year’s theme, “We’re here whenever you’re ready”, emphasises a compassionate, non-judgemental approach to supporting individuals affected by illegal money lending.
In the West Midlands, as in many regions, people facing financial hardship or at risk of homelessness are particularly vulnerable to illegal lenders. Loan sharks often present themselves as friendly helpers, but their tactics quickly become coercive and threatening. Fear and shame can keep people silent, but they don’t have to go through it alone.
This year’s campaign reminds us that:
Support is available whenever someone is ready to reach out. There’s no time limit, no judgement, and no need to prove anything.
Understanding the Impact
Being in debt to an illegal lender is more than just a financial burden, it can be terrifying, isolating, and emotionally exhausting. Victims often feel trapped, with many borrowing more to stay afloat, only to fall deeper under the control of their lender.
According to the latest figures from Stop Loan Sharks, it can take an average of four years for someone to come forward. In 2024, nearly half (49%) of those who did also reported mental health struggles, the highest rate on record. Around 93% of borrowers reported feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, and 40% said they had considered or attempted suicide .
How Stop Loan Sharks Can Help
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) investigates and prosecutes illegal lenders while offering confidential, one-to-one support to people affected. Whether you’re being threatened by a loan shark or just unsure if your lender is legitimate, you can safely reach out.
Contact Stop Loan Sharks:
- 📞 24/7 Helpline: 0300 555 2222
- 📲 Text: Send LOANSHARK + your message to 07860 022 116
- 📧 Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
- 💬 Live Chat: Available 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday at www.stoploansharks.co.uk
All services are confidential, free, and delivered with compassion. You can also access education sessions and community resources to help spot the signs and prevent harm.
Stop Loan Sharks (SLS) works nationally and is led by the Illegal Money Lending Team who are hosted by Birmingham City Council. SLS investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers in the UK. If you have borrowed from a loan shark or are concerned about someone else, SLS is here to provide help and keep you safe, with specially trained staff offering emotional and practical support tailored to your needs.
Not Sure What A Loan Shark Is?
If you can answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, you might be borrowing from a loan shark:
- Did they offer you a cash loan?
- Did they not give you paperwork?
- Did they add huge amounts of interest or APR to your loan?
- Have they threatened you?
- Are you scared of people finding out?
- Have they taken your bank card, driving licence, passport, watch, or other valuables from you?
How to Report A Loan Shark:
Stop Loan Sharks will help you. They understand that reporting a loan shark is scary, but they will help keep you safe. SLS has a form that you can complete to report a loan shark to their team.
You can complete the form if you think you are paying money to a loan shark or if you know someone who is.
You can report a loan shark or illegal money lender to them in full confidence and completely anonymously. After you have reported a loan shark to SLS, they will contact you – at a time that suits you – and talk to you about what has happened.
If you are worried about someone you know, they also have a 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 for confidential advice and support.
SLS will investigate the lender, talk to you about your concerns, and let you know what steps you can take to help the person.
For more information, check out the SLS website here www.stoploansharks.co.uk (Live Chat available 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)
The England Illegal Money Lending Team is hosted by Birmingham City Council
What You Can Do During Stop Loan Sharks Week
- Share the campaign on social media using #StopLoanSharks #WereHereWheneverYoureReady
- Learn the signs of illegal lending, especially among people facing housing insecurity
- Refer individuals for support if you’re part of a frontline service
- Educate your community about the dangers of loan sharks and the support available
Let’s make sure everyone in the West Midlands knows: help is available, and it’s never too late to ask.
For more information and resources, visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk.
