A POVERTY charity has joined a national social media campaign urging families not to borrow from loan sharks in the run up to Christmas amid fears that small loans can lead to massive repayments in the New Year.

The Peterlee-based East Durham Trust is supporting the work of the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) – a national organisation that investigate and prosecute loan sharks.

Trusts chief executive Malcolm Fallow said: “East Durham experiences the levels of disadvantage that make local people vulnerable to exploitation such as illegal money lending.

“We need to be on our guard in order to support people who could be condemning themselves to long-term hardship. We have witnessed first-hand the misery that illegal money lending can create”.

The campaign during the last week consisted of tweets, advice articles and media links being shared from the Stop Loan Sharks Facebook page and Twitter account.

Tony Quigley, head of the Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for some families; the cost and added pressures may tempt some people into borrowing from a loan shark.

“This timely campaign will hopefully make people think twice before using an illegal money lender.

“We are encouraging those in the grip of a loan shark to come forward and speak to us; our confidential Stop Loan Sharks hotline will be active over Christmas and New Year.

“Loan sharks are criminals who prey on vulnerable communities and fleece their victims out of hard earned cash, often through intimidation and violence.” Victims are urged to contact 0300 555 2222 or visit www.stoploansharks.uk.