Stop Loan Sharks

Last month the county council launched a scheme to combat illegal money lenders in Cumbria. 

The Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform has provided funding to allow regional teams to combat illegal money lending until March 2011. 

Head of Trading Standards Phil Ashcroft said: “This excellent new scheme demonstrates our zero tolerance policy on illegal money lending, and will help to prevent any current or potential loan sharks from operating in the county. It will provide help, support and protection for Cumbrian residents, and reduce the financial and emotional damage that can be caused when someone falls victim to a loan shark”.

People with concerns about illegal money lenders can get in touch with the team of investigators on the special hotline number 0300 555 2222 or by emailing stoploansharks@cumbriacc.gov.uk The task-force will track illegal money lenders and prosecute them then help victims to find other legitimate sources of credit.