If you have borrowed money from a loan shark and are feeling trapped, out of control or threatened, don’t worry – you are not alone.
It is estimated that around 300,000 people in Scotland could be using a loan shark with this amount having considerably increased in the last decade. It is more important than ever that we all stand up to loan sharks and make them extinct across our communities.

Always remember that borrowers are not in trouble if they have borrowed cash or have been paying back a loan from an illegal money lender. It’s the lenders who are committing a crime!

Take the first step to getting your life back and managing your money and debts by calling our confidential loan shark helpline on 0800 074 0878, by emailing stopillegallending@cosla.gov.uk or via our online reporting form.

The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who has any concerns or questions about illegal money lending or loan sharks. We can provide immediate support with urgent issues and longer term support to help you move away from using loan sharks.