Stop Loan Sharks Week 2026 takes place from 11–17 May and this year’s theme – ‘Game Over For Loan Sharks’ – focuses on ending the fear, control and harm caused by illegal money lenders.

At BDCU this message could not be clearer. For us, loan sharks have always been exactly what our long‑running local campaign suggests: #LoanSharksAreMonsters.

More specifically, loan sharks are illegal money lenders who are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. They often appear friendly at first, offering quick cash when people are under pressure. But once money is borrowed, the rules change.

Victims are rarely given paperwork, repayments can grow without explanation and missed payments can lead to threats, intimidation or having personal items taken as security. This is not a mistake or a misunderstanding. It is deliberate exploitation.

Across England, more than a million people are estimated to be in debt to loan sharks, with many suffering in silence for years, often believing they have no safe way out.

Why BDCU Says #LoanSharksAreMonsters.

BDCU has a long history of challenging illegal lending and raising awareness in our communities. Through our #LoanSharksAreMonsters campaign, we have worked with partners across Bradford to highlight the reality behind illegal money lending and to make sure people know two things:

1. If you have borrowed from a loan shark, you are not in trouble
2. There is always a safer alternative and support is available

Because loan sharks rely on fear and isolation to thrive, our campaign helps break the silence and replace it with clear information, visible support and trusted local options.

Stopping The Monsters Before Harm Happens.

As a community credit union, BDCU does more than raise awareness – we also work to prevent people being pushed towards illegal lenders in the first place.

Through our Money SOS workshops, community events and partnership work, we talk openly about loan sharks, high‑cost credit, APR and borrowing safely. We also provide access to fair, affordable loans, savings accounts and payroll deduction schemes so people have real choices when money is tight.

Support that ends the game.

Delivered by the England Illegal Money Lending Team, Stop Loan Sharks investigates and prosecutes illegal lenders while providing confidential, non‑judgemental support to anyone affected.

You can contact Stop Loan Sharks 24 hours a day on 0300 555 2222 or via online chat or WhatsApp. To access the website, please visit: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/

You can remain anonymous and you do not have to decide what happens next straight away. And remember – the people breaking the law are the loan sharks, not the borrowers.

How You Can Help This Stop Loan Sharks Week.

You can help us send a clear message by:

• Sharing posts from the Stop Loan Sharks social media toolkit
• Using #LoanSharksAreMonsters alongside #StopLoanSharks on social media
• Talking to friends, family and colleagues about the warning signs that someone might be in debt to a loan shark
• Promoting ethical lenders like credit unions as a safer alternative

Together, nationally and locally, we can make this more than a message.