Borrowed from a loan shark? How to get safe help
If you borrowed from an unlicensed lender, you are a victim, not a criminal. Specialist teams can help you safely, without you having to face the lender alone.
Applies to: UK-wide
What to do now
- If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
- In England, call the Illegal Money Lending Team on 0300 555 2222 (24 hours) or text 07860 022 116.
- Check any lender on the FCA Register.
Signs it is a loan shark
- No paperwork, or no copy of the agreement for you.
- They hold your bank card, passport, benefit card or other ID.
- The amount you owe keeps going up, or they add charges at will.
- Threats, intimidation or violence, or pressure to commit crime to pay.
- Lending informally through social media, at work or within a community.
- They are not on the FCA Register.
Your position
Lending money without FCA authorisation is a criminal offence. Borrowing from someone who turns out to be unlicensed is not. Agreements made by an unauthorised lender are generally unenforceable through the courts, so a loan shark cannot lawfully get a CCJ, use bailiffs or have money taken from your wages. Do not change anything that might put you at risk before you get specialist support — the teams below can help you plan safely.
Who to contact
| Where you live | Team | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| England | England Illegal Money Lending Team (Stop Loan Sharks) | 0300 555 2222 (24 hours), text 07860 022 116, reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk |
| Wales | Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit (Stop Loan Sharks Wales) | 0300 123 3311 (24 hours) |
| Scotland | Trading Standards Scotland | 0800 074 0878 (24 hours) |
| Northern Ireland | Trading Standards Service Consumerline | 0300 123 6262 |
These services are free and confidential. They investigate lenders and support borrowers. If you have been threatened or hurt, you can also report it to the police.
Priority or non-priority?
A loan shark is not a priority creditor in law, but your safety is the priority. Specialist teams can help you work out what to do about the loan itself. Then deal with your legal debts in the usual order: rent or mortgage, council tax and energy first.
Your other debts
People often turn to loan sharks because legal borrowing has run out. Free debt advice can help with the debts underneath — a DMP, DRO or other solution may be possible for your legal debts, and Breathing Space can pause most creditor action for 60 days. Councils also run local crisis support for emergencies.
If you are struggling to cope, you can talk to Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.
Common questions
Do I have to pay back a loan shark?
An unlicensed lender has no legal right to recover the money through the courts. Talk to the illegal money lending team for your area before changing anything, so they can help keep you safe.
Will I get in trouble for borrowing from a loan shark?
No. Lending without authorisation is the crime. Illegal money lending teams treat borrowers as victims and support them in confidence.
How do I report a loan shark?
In England, call 0300 555 2222 or text 07860 022 116. In Wales, call 0300 123 3311. In Scotland, call Trading Standards Scotland on 0800 074 0878. In Northern Ireland, call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.