Stop Loan Sharks
Central Credit Union is proud to be an accredited Partner of Stop Loan Sharks.
Working together to keep our members and communities safe.
As a credit union we’ve always offered a fair, ethical alternative to high-cost and illegal lending.
This partnership formalises something we already believe in: that everyone deserves a safe way to borrow, and a safe way to ask for help if they have fallen victim to a loan shark.
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It’s estimated that 1.08 million people in England are currently in debt to illegal money lenders.
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Raising awareness of what illegal lending looks like, and what help is available is a big part of what this partnership is about.
We’ll help you make the call
If you or someone you know owes money to a loan shark, but don’t have a safe space to get help, we can support you.
Whether that’s by making initial contact with us by phone, email, or Live Chat:
Call: 0151 708 5515
Email: enquiries@clcu.co.uk
Chatbot: Chat to us by clicking the purple icon in the bottom right of the screen
Or drop in to our access point
We’ll provide a safe, private space, to access the Stop Loan Sharks website, and someone who’ll listen without judgement.
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Our Park Street branch is an official Stop Loan Sharks access point, located at 141 Park Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L8 6QF
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Our Norris Green branches is also on hand to point you in the right direction. It is not formal access points, but they can signpost you. This branch is located at: Unit 8, Broad Lane, Norris Green, Liverpool, Merseyside, L11 1AD
“Loan sharks don’t just target individuals, they take root in communities. Preying on people at their most vulnerable and leaving a trail of fear and debt that affects whole families and neighbourhoods. Becoming an Accredited Partner with Stop Loan Sharks means Central Credit Union can play a direct role in tackling that. Not just for our members but for anyone across our common bond who needs a safe place to turn. Our Park Street branch is now a genuine access point for support, and every one of our branches can help point people in the right direction. This is exactly the kind of work a community-owned credit union should be doing; standing between our neighbours and the people who try to exploit them.”
– Eileen Halligan, Chief Executive Officer, Central Credit Union
“Stop Loan Sharks is delighted to welcome Central Credit Union as an official partner. By working together, we can raise awareness of the safe options available to borrowers while protecting people from the harm caused by loan sharks. Thank you to everyone at Central Credit Union for your dedication and support. We look forward to building on our partnership in the years ahead.”
About Stop Loan Sharks
The Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) was set up in 2004, originally as a pilot scheme in Birmingham investigating loan sharks. It’s since grown into a national team that investigates and prosecutes illegal lenders while supporting the people they’ve targeted. There are Illegal Money Lending Teams in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Since 2004, the IMLT has supported over 33,000 people and written off more than £91.9 million of illegal debt.
Report a loan shark in complete confidence
You can use the online reporting form to report an illegal money lender, completely safely and anonymously.
Or call the team directly, 24/7, on 0300 555 2222. All information is treated in the strictest confidence.
What happens after you report?
Once you’ve reported, a member of the Stop Loan Sharks team will get in touch at a time that works for you. They’ll talk you through what happens next, in confidence, and help connect you with financial, housing, or debt support if you need it.
Not sure if your lender is legal?
You can check the FCA register yourself, or contact Stop Loan Sharks on 0300 555 2222 to find out if your lender is safe, regulated and legal.
Frequently asked questions
Stop Loan Sharks is part of the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT). A government-funded team that investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and supports people who’ve borrowed from one. Regional support is available through different units in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Yes. Reports can be made anonymously, and everything shared is treated in the strictest confidence.
Yes. If you’re worried that a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague is being targeted by a loan shark, you can contact Stop Loan Sharks. Call 0300 555 2222 for confidential advice on how to support them, or report what you know directly.
You can use the online reporting form at stoploansharks.co.uk, or call the 24/7 helpline on 0300 555 2222.
A Stop Loan Sharks officer will contact you at a time that suits you, talk you through what happens next, and connect you with financial, housing, or debt support if you need it.
Our Park Street (head office) branch is an official Stop Loan Sharks access point, where staff can help you make contact directly. Our other branches can point you toward Stop Loan Sharks even though they’re not formal access points.
Legal lenders are registered with the FCA. You can check the FCA register yourself, or call us or Stop Loan Sharks and we’ll help you find out.
No. Support is completely free, and so is Central Credit Union’s help in accessing it.