Council warning on post-Christmas loan sharks
Thursday, 14th January 2010.
If you are still paying for Christmas, Suffolk County Council are issuing warnings and advice about avoiding loan sharks.
Christmas is an expensive time of year and Suffolk Trading Standards are advising people that it’s never to early to save for the next one.
Fair trading officer Eleanor Lake said; “Many people this year found themselves in debt at Christmas and, while a lot can pay their credit cards off with their January pay packet, there will be some who can’t and try to find other ways of paying the money back.
“Loan sharks and illegal money lenders prey on these people, promising to loan them the money, and then charge extortionate fees when they try to repay them.
“With Christmas out of the way you may not want to think about the next one but it’s better to save for it now than pay for it later.”
Local Citizens Advice Bureaux may be able to help you manage your finances and advise you if you are in debt. To find your local Citizens Advice Bureau visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk or details will be listed in the phone book if you would like to call and make an appointment. If you need advice on saving money there are numerous websites available that can help.
Credit unions in Suffolk can also offer debt advice and can help you save money. They also offer emergency loans to their members. Visit www.onesuffolk.co.uk/ipswichandsuffolkcreditunion or www.onesuffolk.co.uk/RSACUL for further information.
Christmas is an expensive time of year and Suffolk Trading Standards are advising people that it’s never to early to save for the next one.
Fair trading officer Eleanor Lake said; “Many people this year found themselves in debt at Christmas and, while a lot can pay their credit cards off with their January pay packet, there will be some who can’t and try to find other ways of paying the money back.
“Loan sharks and illegal money lenders prey on these people, promising to loan them the money, and then charge extortionate fees when they try to repay them.
“With Christmas out of the way you may not want to think about the next one but it’s better to save for it now than pay for it later.”
Local Citizens Advice Bureaux may be able to help you manage your finances and advise you if you are in debt. To find your local Citizens Advice Bureau visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk or details will be listed in the phone book if you would like to call and make an appointment. If you need advice on saving money there are numerous websites available that can help.
Credit unions in Suffolk can also offer debt advice and can help you save money. They also offer emergency loans to their members. Visit www.onesuffolk.co.uk/ipswichandsuffolkcreditunion or www.onesuffolk.co.uk/RSACUL for further information.
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