Halloween warning over rising number of loan sharks in district

The Anti-Poverty Events Group has launched a new Halloween-themed campaign, called #LoanSharksAreMonsters, in a bid to tackle the rising issue of illegal money lenders in Bradford and the wider district.
The #LoanSharksAreMonsters project comes amid rising numbers of illegal lenders looking to take advantage of vulnerable peopleThe #LoanSharksAreMonsters project comes amid rising numbers of illegal lenders looking to take advantage of vulnerable people
The #LoanSharksAreMonsters project comes amid rising numbers of illegal lenders looking to take advantage of vulnerable people

The group, which is led by Bradford District Credit Union and was recently shortlisted for the council’s Partnership award, is a collection of eight organisations working together to tackle poverty and financial exclusion.

Its #LoanSharksAreMonsters project comes amid rising numbers of illegal lenders looking to take advantage of vulnerable people during the Covid-19 lockdowns and the lead up to Christmas.

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The group said it decided to tackle the dangers of loan sharks, scams and gambling in a creative and accessible way, producing a special monster-themed edition of its ‘Bundles of Creativity’ publication.

The project has been made possible by funding from Brelms Trust CIO, Bradford Council and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Artworks Creative Communities has designed and distributed thousands of booklets a month since May through food banks, community groups, schools and partner organisations in the Anti-Poverty Events Group.

Deb Collett from Artworks said: “Covid-19 and lockdown has brought increased stress, uncertainty, poverty and isolation to many.

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“We wanted to reach out to families who are digitally excluded and struggling the most, hence involving the Anti-Poverty Events Group, Bradford District Credit Union and over 100 community groups spread throughout the entire Bradford District.

“With 10,000 copies sent out, we are really pleased the #LoanSharksAreMonsters edition has proved so popular. It’s a winning formula of creative fun and vital information.”

Ian Brewer, financial inclusion officer at Bradford Credit Union, added: “Loan sharks prey on vulnerable people who need financial help and this manipulative form of lending is often followed by intimidation and threats.

“Unfortunately, this is something we’re seeing more and more in the area, only recently a loan shark was arrested in Keighley for illegal money lending. Moreover, the Government’s Illegal Money Lending Team has suggested that the problem is only getting worse during the pandemic.

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“All of this just emphasises the importance of this campaign, our community partnerships and the work of credit unions across the country to provide the right support and options for those who need it most. As such, this working partnership has been essential in driving innovative projects to reach the most financially vulnerable.”

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