WARNING: This poem contains explicit language.

This poem “The Loan Shark” is by David Graham from Gateshead, a freelance photographer and a lover of the written word who writes both poetry and fiction in his spare time. David’s poem tells of a loan shark who uses intimidation and threats to keep the money coming in.

Loan sharks may threaten you by saying bad things will happen if you don’t pay up or that you will go to jail for borrowing money illegally. This is not true. It is important to remember that the loan shark is committing a crime and you are not in trouble if you are a victim. 

To report a loan shark call the Stop Loan Sharks 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk. 

This story is by Jan Clampett from Romford, who drew on her experience of running a weekly English class for parents at a local school and meeting a wide range of people as a volunteer for Citizens Advice. Jan’s story “Building a Better Future” is about a loan shark who preys on new arrivals to the UK. 

Loan sharks may target people who are arriving in the UK for the first time and looking for work. They may offer to lend you money until you are settled and take your bank card, jewellery or passport as security on the loan. If you have had to hand over your personal items on a loan, get support right away.

To report a loan shark call the Stop Loan Sharks 24 hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk. 

This story is by Ruth Taylor, a volunteer for Hampshire Search and Rescue. Ruth’s story “A Misunderstanding?” is about a pensioner who has fallen victim to a loan shark in her community. 

It is easy to fall into the grip of a loan shark as they are often very friendly at first. They may offer to shop for you, post parcels or call in regularly for a chat but will quickly turn nasty if you fall behind on repayments.  

To report a loan shark call the Stop Loan Sharks 24 hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk. 

This tale is by Mark Cowan from Stockton, who used his experience as a teacher to create the story “The Loan Ranger” about a parent struggling to buy a birthday present for his son while on a tight budget. He discusses his money worries with a man in the pub. 

Loan sharks may seem friendly at first but borrowing from them is never a good idea as they often resort to intimidation, threats or violence. They may threaten to tell others about the unpaid debts and make you feel isolated. Please don't suffer in silence.

To report a loan shark call the 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk.  

WARNING: This story contains explicit language.

This story is by Ruth Taylor, a volunteer for Hampshire Search and Rescue. Ruth’s story “If Only” tells of how the borrower met the loan shark at work. 

Loan sharks have been known to operate in the workplace and lend to colleagues and associates. They may threaten to tell other people about the unpaid debts, including your boss or threaten to fire you. It is important to always check your lender is authorised by the FCA and uses proper paperwork. 

To report a loan shark call the 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk. 

This story “Uncle” is by Tricia Waller who lives in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire and works with vulnerable students. Tricia’s inspiration was partly taken from a news story about deprived families being rehoused to a new area and wondering about the twist and turns of people’s lives.

Loan sharks may appear friendly at first but can quickly turn nasty. They may threaten your children and family if you get behind with repayments. Get help if you need it, and don't be ashamed. Don’t suffer in silence.

To report a loan shark call the 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk. 

This story is by Maria Perruzza from Staffordshire, who drew on her career in community safety to write “Don’t Borrow from Baz”. Her tale is about a shady character who is well known in the community as being a money lender. 

Loan sharks operate in all settings, including pubs, and may already be preying on the regulars. They may offer a quick-fix small loan but in the long term, any money borrowed will come at a very high price and may lead to violence, threats and intimidation.  

To report a loan shark call the 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk