MONEY lenders have been the target of a campaign run by a social housing group as they offer advice about the pitfalls of borrowing money from unscrupulous sources.

Coast and Country staff were out and about across Redcar and Cleveland with a branded double-decker bus handing out information and offering guidance, focusing on the dangers of illegal money lending and loan sharks who prey on vulnerable people.

The housing association has a dedicated Money and Benefits Advice team, which works in partnership with agencies such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Money Advice Service and Step Change to offer advice.

Chief executive Iain Sim said: “Loan sharks, legal or illegal, can make people’s lives a misery, usually preying on the most vulnerable in our communities.

“The Financial Conduct Authority keeps details of all licensed lenders, as well as those who have applied for a licence or had one taken away or suspended.

"If a lender does not have a current licence, the strong advice is don't borrow money from them and don’t let them come into your home.”