Loan Sharks and vulnerable debtors: why ethical enforcement and support matter more than ever
- Dukes Bailiffs
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
At Dukes Bailiffs, enforcement doesn’t just mean collecting what’s owed; it’s about offering support, showing compassion, and taking the time to understand the full picture for our debtors.
With rising financial pressures due to the cost of living crisis, more and more individuals are finding themselves at risk of exploitation by loan sharks - dangerous illegal lenders who prey on vulnerable people.
This blog highlights why it’s more important than ever for us to raise awareness about loan sharks, provide ongoing support to our debtors, and ensure that vulnerable debtors know they aren’t alone.
The growing problem of Loan Sharks
A recent report by the Centre for Social Justice revealed that over 1 million people in England are currently borrowing from loan sharks - that's 2% of the population. For those in debt, this figure can mean they are at greater risk being victims to harmful practices of loan sharks.
Loan sharks often:
Operate without formal paperwork or clear terms
Take excessive interest or repayments
Intimidate and control their victims
Encourage borrowers to pay back more than they owe
Use fear tactics to keep debtors trapped in the cycle
Here at Dukes Bailiffs, it’s important for us to recognise the signs of Loan Sharks. But it’s equally important that we offer support and guidance to those who may be unknowingly caught in these dangerous situations.
How we support vulnerable debtors
We are fully committed to providing ethical services to all individuals we engage with, and this includes supporting debtors who may be vulnerable due to loan shark exploitation. Here’s how we make that happen:
Enforcement Agents raising awareness the road:
Our team of trained Enforcement Agents (EAs) are equipped to spot signs of loan shark victims and have been trained to engage with debtors sensitively. They carry informational leaflets designed to raise awareness of loan sharks and how individuals can seek support. This personal touch can make all the difference, as it helps to reassure those in distress that there is help available and that they are not alone.
Welfare Hub:
For anyone in immediate need of extra support, our Welfare Hub team is available to provide hands-on, direct assistance. The team is dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals.
Staff training
We have put in place staff training for all of our front facing staff, to ensure they are offering support and guidance to vulnerable debtors, specifically victims of Loan Sharks
Facebook Awareness Campaign
We’re using Facebook as a platform to reach debtors and individuals who may be at risk, making sure they are aware that help is just a click away.
Why ethical enforcement matters to Dukes Bailiffs
As a client of Dukes Bailiffs, you can trust that we are taking every step possible to provide ethical debt recovery. We’re proud to lead the way in ethical enforcement, ensuring that we address not only the debts but also the human element behind each case.
We believe that enforcement can be done with heart, and we’re committed to helping people get out of debt - and stay out of debt. We’re proud of our approach and the support systems we’ve put in place to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
If you’d like to learn more about how we support debtors or want to hear about our partnership with Stop Loan Sharks, please reach out.
For more information or to talk with our team about how we can support your specific cases, feel free to contact us:
