Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit

Finlay the chatbot is now live on our website at stopillegallending.co.uk!

Finlay can answer your questions about loan sharks and help point you in the direction of further support and advice

Enjoy a #SharkFreeSummer

Our new campaign aims to help you enjoy a #SharkFreeSummer

If you're struggling with back to school costs, don’t turn to a loan shark for help – they could put you and your family in danger.

Find out more about available support at www.stopillegallending.co.uk/SharkFreeSum...

Councillor Maureen Chalmers has welcomed the launch of our #SharkFreeSummer campaign, which focuses on important issues relating to financial wellbeing over the summer holidays and the return of children to school in August

More➡️ stopillegallending.co.uk/enjoy-a-shar... @maureenchalmers.bsky.social

If you feel that you can’t manage your money and debts, there are organisations that will provide free advice and help you get your life back on track👇

Contact us in confidence on 0800 074 0878 or visit www.stopillegallending.co.uk #BreakingTheSilence

Don’t struggle in silence if you’re in a financial crisis and don't turn to a loan shark

There are loads of organisations who can help you such as Credit Unions or debt charities

Find organisations who can help at www.stopillegallending.co.uk #BreakingTheSilence

A 74-year-old man has been arrested as part of action taken against loan sharks in North Lanarkshire.

Read more➡️ www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottis...

We've added a new accessibility tool to our website to make it more inclusive. It includes:

✔️Text to Speech software
✔️Font & colour customisation
✔️Reading accessibility tools
✔️Translation into over 130 languages

Just click the circular ReciteMe icon➡️https://stopillegallending.co.uk/

You’re not in trouble if you have borrowed cash or have been paying back a loan from a loan shark

They’re the one committing a crime, not you

Take the first step to getting your life back and managing your money and debts by calling us on 0800 074 0878 or visiting our website #BreakingTheSilence

Today we're launching a new campaign - #BreakingTheSilence

With almost a third of Scots struggling to cover bills, food & necessities, we want to encourage people to:

🗨️Talk about financial struggles rather than turning to loan sharks
📱Report loan sharks

➡️ stopillegallending.co.uk/breaking-the...

The work of the team featured in 'Scotland Tonight: Dealing with Dangerous Debt' on STV yesterday- the program includes the story of a woman who had a heart attack after suffering harassment at the hands of a loan shark she thought was a friend

Watch now➡️ player.stv.tv/episode/4pgt...

‘I thought she was my friend, then she was at my door demanding ten grand’ Scottish woman reveals she had a heart attack after suffering harassment at the hands of a loan shark.

Scottish woman reveals she had a heart attack after suffering harassment at the hands of a loan shark 👇

Watch the full story: Scotland Tonight: Dealing with Dangerous Debt, tonight at 8:30pm on STV and the STV Player

news.stv.tv/scotland/loa...

National Student Money Week 2025 (#NSMW25) runs from 3rd and 7th March. We'll have a range of events, activities, games, information and guidance for you to get your hands on.

Find out what's happening on your campus: www.uws.ac.uk/money-fees-funding/national-student-money-week/

We're hosting two webinars as part of National Student Money Week next week, covering money management (including different types of bank accounts and how to prepare for a financial shock), and finances beyond college and uni. Sign up via Eventbrite. https://buff.ly/4kmu1Yn

Man, 69, arrested after investigation into illegal money lending After searching a property on Tuesday, a 69-year-old male was arrested and subsequently released pending further inquiries.

A man has been arrested as part of an investigation into illegal money lending activity in East Ayrshire 👇

news.stv.tv/west-central...

Are you in a financial crisis? We are here to help.

Access a wide range of free services, stay away from illegal money lenders and move towards a happier financial future.

Help starts here - find out more on our website or by calling 0800 074 0878

Our confidential loan shark helpline, 0800 074 0878, will remain open all day today for anyone who has any concerns or questions about illegal money lending or loan sharks

Please get in touch if you need advice/support or find out more at www.stopillegallending.co.uk

If a friend/family member is suddenly anxious and worried, #AskTheQuestion

“Is someone you have borrowed money from threatening you?”

Find out how to support them by calling 0800 074 0878 or at www.stopillegallending.co.uk

We’re working with STV News on a piece about illegal money lending – would you be willing to share your experience with a journalist?

You can do this anonymously – you’re identity will be protected.

Please get in touch at stopillegallending@cosla.gov.uk

YouTube video by Citizens Advice Scotland Worried this winter? Let's chat.

Our “Worried this winter? Let’s chat” campaign video 📹
This incredible poem from spoken word artist @kevoutloud is based on lived experiences of energy debt.
Together, we’re asking people who are struggling, to talk to their local CAB this winter. 👉 cas.org.uk/worried

This winter we are urging people to Choose a #LoanSharkFreeChristmas 👇

More of us are struggling financially and you may think you have no other options, but support is available to you

Find out more at www.stopillegallending.co.uk

Loan sharks 'target vulnerable Scots on food bank social media pages' A watchdog warned that up to 300,000 Scottish people are at risk of falling victim to loan sharks.

Loan sharks have been using food bank social media pages to target vulnerable Scots ahead of Christmas 👇

news.stv.tv/scotland/loa...

Loan shark terrorised mum and tot as thousands risk falling victim at Christmas The desperate mum, from Glasgow, had borrowed £250 from an illegal lender to pay for a new bed for her young child - but missed a payment after Christmas.

Recent article showing the risks of using loan sharks👇

There's always another option - our confidential loan shark helpline, 0800 074 0878, is open 24/7 for anyone who has any concerns or questions about illegal money lending or loan sharks #StopLoanSharks

www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottis...

YouTube video by Trading Standards Scotland What Is an Illegal Money Lender?

We want to raise awareness of loan sharks who are taking advantage of the cost of living crisis to target people who are in financial difficulties

Find out what an illegal money lender is in our animation ⬇️
youtu.be/B6u4SaMl7ws