NEWS
‘Don’t deal with loan sharks’

People needing to borrow money have been urged to take advantage of free debt advice services before resorting to dealing with loan sharks.

Consumer Minister Ian McCartney has opened a new London office for the Money Advice Trust (MAT), which runs the National Debtline. He said many people did not realize that free, impartial support was at hand to help them avoid debt problems.

The Minister, who has visited the anti-loan shark teams run by Glasgow and Birmingham Trading Standards in recent weeks, said ‘Often, it feels like there is no alternative than to turn to loan sharks but many people don’t realize that debt advice and information is available for free. National Debtline is there to help.’

The National Debtline is a national telephone helpline for people with debt problems in England, Scotland and Wales. The service is free, confidential and independent.