We have been awarded partner recognition status for our work in raising awareness of the dangers of using loan sharks.
The recognition comes from the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) and is awarded to organisations who work to raise awareness of loan sharks and their impact on local communities and create safer spaces for residents to live and work.
Chris Roberts, Director of Customer, said: “We are proud to have achieved the Partner Recognition accreditation and to be recognised for our commitment to keeping our communities safe.
“We’re dedicated to making sure our customers know what to look out for, how to report a loan shark and what to do if they have borrowed from a loan shark, as well as making sure our colleagues feel confident in providing the level of support needed.”
Partners must actively ensure that their staff are able to respond to suspected and reported illegal money lending by either signposting borrowers to relevant services or providing direct support.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gentoo as an official partner and we’re hugely grateful for everything the team there are doing to help tackle the issue of illegal lending.
“Illegal lenders often pretend to be a friend at first, offering a loan to help out. But when the time comes to pay them back, they can become aggressive and intimidating, demanding extra charges and interest and trapping people in a cycle of debt. We know illegal lenders operate within local communities and we rely on partners like Gentoo to help us reach those who may be vulnerable and get them the help they need.”
The IMLT, also known as Stop Loan Sharks, investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and supports anyone who has borrowed money from a loan shark.
Anyone who believes they might have borrowed from a loan shark can contact the Stop Loan Sharks 24-hour confidential helpline on 0300 555 2222, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or complete an online report form at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
This week is Stop Loan Sharks Week 2025, a national campaign to highlight the devastating impact of loan sharks and encourage borrowers to seek support.
The theme this year is ‘We’re here whenever you’re ready’, focusing on the no-pressure, supportive approach taken by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), known as Stop Loan Sharks, when borrowers find the bravery to report an illegal lender.
