Campaign Launched to Tackle Illegal Lending in Scotland

Friday 8 August 2025

The Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU) is launching a new campaign “#SharkFreeSummer” to raise awareness of other options that are available to families, including government grants and funding that they may be eligible to receive, credit unions, free debt advice and support from local communities, schools and charities.

Research commissioned by SIMLU last year found that 7% of respondents had encountered a loan shark either in their community or online. Across the wider population, this equates to around 300,000 people.

Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Chair of Trading Standards Scotland said: “I am delighted to announce the launch of the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit’s Campaign, Shark Free Summer. The campaign focuses on the important issues relating to financial wellbeing over the summer holidays and the return of children to school in August. We know that this time of year can cause financial hardship for people, but we want them to know that there is support out there for them. By using these services, you can ensure that you avoid falling prey to loan sharks and the long-term trouble they can bring.”

Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson said: “I warmly welcome the launch of the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit’s Shark Free Summer Campaign. At a time where costs continue to rise, it can be financially daunting to ensure that young people have everything they need for the new school year.  Raising awareness of the support available is an important part of helping people avoid using loan sharks for items such as school clothing and other essentials.”

Find out more about the campaign at https://stopillegallending.co.uk/SharkFreeSummer