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.