Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit

Investigating illegal money lenders across Scotland and providing support for the victims of those lenders. Part of Trading Standards Scotland (@TSScot)

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Finlay the chatbot is now live on our website at https://t.co/bqiuYvq66U!

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

Enjoy a #SharkFreeSummer

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

If you’ve borrowed from a loan shark this summer, you’ve done nothing wrong.

You’re in no legal trouble and we’re here to help you. Find out more at https://t.co/O4j38oqQcZ or by calling 0800 074 0878

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

An Irvine Valley loan shark has today been fined £10,000 and ordered to pay a further £750 victim surcharge, following an investigation by the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit

Read more➡️ https://t.co/iJUEiyJPeV

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Joining a credit union can help you manage your money over the school holidays

Visit https://t.co/HE0ldrxcok to find your local credit union #SharkFreeSummer

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Do you need help with the cost of living this summer?

Don’t turn to a loan shark for help - find family benefits, payments and support you can get at https://t.co/saZanzUmNy

Enjoy a #SharkFreeSummer

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Did you know that if you get free school meals you might also be able to get help during the school holidays? Find out more at https://t.co/Tfwss47D5X

Enjoy a #SharkFreeSummer

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Are you finding it tough managing money over the school holidays? ParentClub has lots of advice and resources, including info about benefits you may be entitled to

Find out more at https://t.co/DMh0XkDHnY #SharkFreeSummer

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Loan sharks can cause immense misery and often threaten people who have borrowed money from them with violence. If you are aware of a loan shark who is threatening people in your area, please contact us 24/7 on 0800 084 0878.

All calls are confidential and you can stay anonymous

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

School holidays can mean shelling out for activities, clothes, games, snacks and more

If you feel that you have nowhere to turn to borrow money, don’t choose a loan shark

There’s always another option – find out how to have a #SharkFreeSummer at https://t.co/I6J8KRqxKF

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Today we're launching a new campaign to help you enjoy a #SharkFreeSummer ☀️

If you're struggling with costs over the summer holidays, don’t turn to a loan shark for help – there's always another option

Find out more about available support at https://t.co/I6J8KRqxKF

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Many people across Scotland are in financial difficulties due to the rising cost of living. Whatever you do, don’t turn to a loan shark - there's always another option

Visit our website or call our free 24/7 helpline and talk to someone today

➡️https://t.co/MibwsgH0eJ

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Are you worried that a friend or relative has borrowed money from a loan shark and is struggling to pay them back?

Call us 24/7 on 0808 074 0878 or visit our website to find out how we can help.

➡️https://t.co/MibwsgH0eJ

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

If you’ve borrowed money from a loan shark and are feeling trapped, out of control or even threatened, don’t worry - you are not alone.

Visit our website for free help and support

➡️https://t.co/MibwsgH0eJ

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

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 https://t.co/O4j38oqQcZ

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Loan sharks take advantage of people in crisis situations by appearing friendly & accommodating, but they can cause long-term misery & pain

If you’re worried that someone you borrowed money from is a loan shark, contact us today for free help & support

➡️https://t.co/MibwsgH0eJ

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

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

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

The accessibility tool on our website includes:

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

Just click the circular ReciteMe icon➡️https://t.co/MibwsgH0eJ

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

With more illegal lenders moving online, here are 5 tips for staying safe if you're borrowing online:

👀Check... and check again
🤝Beware of 'friends’ offering favours
💰Be wary of upfront fees & pressure
📰Read T&Cs carefully
🚩Look out for red flags

➡️https://t.co/zB0aU0Gnud

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Worried about a loan shark? Have questions about how to find advice and support about debt or money worries?

Why not #StartTheConversation with Finlay the chatbot at https://t.co/bqiuYvq66U!

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

If you’re concerned that a friend/family member may have borrowed money from an illegal lender, #AskTheQuestion

“Are you worried about a loan shark?”

Find out how to support them by calling 0800 074 0878 or at https://t.co/O4j38oqQcZ

[Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit @StopLoanSharks]

Today we are heading down the Scottish Borders to take part in the @MoneyGuidersSco Roadshow looking at illegal money lending and affordable credit. @CABGala and @CAPscot will be among our partners in attendance. Looking forward to seeing everyone and a lively discussion ahead.