Watch out for loan sharks - they could cost you an arm and a leg.
Have you or anyone you know:
If so, then you may have been bitten by a loan shark. Illegal money lenders can seem like a good option when you need money quickly or are having difficulties getting credit, but they can quickly become intimidating and threatening and your loan can spiral out of control.
To report a loan shark in confidence, call 0300 555 222.
Affordable credit and free advice are available. These friendly organisations are here to help you find affordable credit or give you money advice.
Free, confidential and independent advice on your welfare benefits, tax credits or debt problems:
Salford Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Service
Welfare rights
Telephone: 0800 345 7375
Debt advice
Telephone: 0800 345 7323
Citizens Advice Bureau
Telephone: 0161 793 7840
Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre
Telephone: 0161 789 2999
Salford Credit Union website
Email: info@salfordcreditunion.com
Telephone: 0161 686 5880
Moneyline
Telephone: 0845 643 1553
My Home Finance
Telephone: 0845 519 7237
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders while supporting those who have borrowed money from a loan shark.
Report a loan shark and get help
Together with Salford City Council, partners across the city have joined forces to raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks, to encourage people to report illegal money lenders and to promote alternative sources of help, advice and credit.