Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit

The Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU) works in partnership with other agencies and organisations across Scotland to help eradicate the scourge of loan sharks.


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.

You are not in trouble if you have borrowed cash or have been paying back a loan from an illegal money lender – they are the one committing a crime, not you.

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 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.

What SIMLU does

What is a Loan Shark?

How We Can Help

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