As Christmas fast approaches and money is tight, Dudley borough residents are being warned by safe & sound, Dudley's community safety partnership, not to be bitten by loan sharks.

At this time of year people can be tempted by loan sharks as they struggle for cash to cover the expense of the season.

This makes it easier for lenders to exploit people with a small loan to tide them over Christmas, but it ends up costing borrowers much more financially and having a huge impact on their lives.

Loan sharks will act like friends and make the offer seem hard to resist, but very quickly the situation can spiral out of control and borrowers can be subjected to threats, violence and intimidation. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member responsible for community safety, said:

“Loan sharks aren’t licensed to lend money legally and they will often resort to the most extreme methods to enforce repayment.

“They want to exploit people and have no care for how they do this. If you suspect there is one operating in your area please report it.”

Credit unions are recommended as a safe, alternative lending and saving facility. To find out about Castle & Crystal Credit Union in Dudley call 01384 815771 or visit castleandcrystal.co.uk.

Loan sharks can be reported confidentially by visiting direct.gov.uk, or by calling the Illegal Money Lending England on 0300 555 2222. To find out more about safe & sound's Christmas safety tips, visit dudleysafeandsound.org.