Families across Wyre Forest have been warned about the dangers of loan sharks.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), also known as Stop Loan Sharks, is holding the 'Bite Back Week' from Monday (July 8).

The aim of the week is to educate people on how to identify loan sharks, and where to get help if they have fallen prey to one.

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The event is in collaboration with West Mercia Police, Wyre Forest District Council, and Community Housing, and will include an information campaign led by the Stop Loan Sharks team, who will get help from their mascot, Sid the Shark.

Tony Quigley, head of the IMLT, said: "Raising awareness is a big part of the work we do in communities – we want to make sure that everyone knows exactly where to turn for help if they have been targeted by an illegal lender and we would urge anyone in the area to come and say help to the team and find out more about what we do."

Community Housing's money advice and sustainability manager, Beverley Hiden, added: "Community Housing is pleased to be once again working with the IMLT and Sid the Shark to raise awareness of illegal money lending activities in the Wyre Forest area."

Loan sharks are notorious for their illegal and unethical lending practices, often resorting to threats and intimidation to ensure repayment of loans that were offered without any paperwork, at high interest rates.

The Centre for Social Justice reports an estimated 1.08 million people are in debt to loan sharks in England.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the IMLT, which since its launch has helped over 31,700 people, absolved over £91.3 million worth of illegal debt, and secured over 420 prosecutions, leading to over 600 years in jail.