Receive confidential advice and learn how to fight against loan sharks at an upcoming event.

Worcester City Council will host 'Bite Back' at the Guildhall on Thursday, May 30 from 11am to 2pm.

Conference attendees can anonymously and confidentially discuss their problems with loan sharks with expert advisors.

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Jabba Riaz, the chair of the council's communities committee said: "It's important that you don't remain silent if you are being impacted by Loan Sharks.

"The illegal lender is the criminal and experts will be at this event to give you confidential advice if you have become a victim of a Loan Shark.

"It's also important that people are aware of the dangers, so you don't fall victim to illegal lenders in the future."

This event is a collaborative effort involving the council, the Platform Housing Group, and the England Illegal Money Lending Team, which investigates loan sharks.

The council's community safety team will also be present to answer questions and give advice on loan sharks.

The campaign aims to raising awareness about the dangers of loan sharks and educating the public on safer alternatives like credit unions.

Tony Quigley, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: "This Bite Back event is a great way for people to find out more about the dangers of illegal lenders and we are grateful to our partners for helping raise awareness.

"The warning signs include being given no paperwork or information about the loan, being asked to hand over items like bank cards or a passport as security, and being asked to make huge repayments.

"Usually, the amount borrowed never seems to decrease and you start to be threatened or intimidated if you can’t pay.

"The important thing to remember is you have done nothing wrong, the illegal lender is the criminal."

For those who are in debt to loan sharks, the England Illegal Money Lending Team offers confidential support and advice on its 24/7 hotline, 0300 555 2222.

The team has aided over 31,500 people, written off £91.2 million in illegal debt, and secured 416 prosecutions leading to 598 years in prison for criminals.