Illegal money lending

Illegal money lenders, often called loan sharks, operating in Southwark should be reported to the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), a National Trading Standards service. The team was created to combat the activities of loan sharks.

Credit providers and money lenders must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority

Loan sharks

A loan shark is someone who lends money without required authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority. They often target vulnerable people and those on a tight budget.

Loan sharks rarely, if ever, offer any paperwork. If clients miss payments, loan sharks often resort to intimidation and violence.  

You may be the victim of a loan shark if:

  • you've been offered a cash loan
  • you've been threatened when you can't pay
  • your bank card has been taken from you as security
  • what you owe keeps growing even though you're making payments

Reporting illegal money lending

If you need help, more information or to report a loan shark, visit the Stop Loan Sharks website

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing any of the above or if you have information on loan shark activities, immediately contact the team in confidence:

For more information on loan sharks, advice on ways to borrow money, to check if a money lender is authorised or help with debt, visit the Citizens Advice website

Credit Union

Southwark's Credit Union provides secure current and savings accounts, loans and insurance. 

If you'd like to apply:

Page last updated: 31 May 2017

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