Money lent to you by ‘doorstep lenders’ (such as
salespeople who come and knock on your door) can be
expensive.
Find out more about borrowing from a doorstep lender on
the Money Advice Service website.
So should I borrow money from a doorstep
lender?
Never borrow money from an illegal doorstep money lender.
Illegal doorstep lenders are also called 'loan sharks'. You will
pay extremely high rates of interest and they may threaten or
harass you if you do not keep up your repayments.
Loan sharks are illegal because they are not regulated by the
Office of Fair Trading. Never borrow money from anyone before you
have checked if they are regulated by the Office of Fair Trading.
You can do this free by ringing 020 7211 8608,
9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Find out more about dealing with loan sharks on the Directgov
website.
To report a loan shark you should contact Doncaster
Council Trading Standards, email trading.standards@doncaster.gov.uk ,
or telephone 01302 737529 or
737590.
More information on loan sharks and what to do about
them can be found on here.
Should I borrow from a legal doorstep money
lender?
Legal doorstep money lenders will usually charge high rates of
interest, and it may be better for you to join a credit union.
Visit our South Yorkshire Credit Union page for
more information.
Legal doorstep lending is also called the 'home collection
market'. You can borrow small amounts and pay it back weekly to an
agent who will call at your home. Remember – the total amount you
have to repay may be much higher than the amount you borrowed.
You can also see how the cost of borrowing money from home
credit companies compares with South Yorkshire Credit Union on the
lenderscompared.org
website.
Find out more about how much borrowing costs on our
repayment table.
Where else might I be able to borrow money?
An excellent alternative is to become a member of a credit
union. The main credit union in Doncaster is South
Yorkshire Credit Union. Visit our South Yorkshire Credit Union page for
more information. South Yorkshire Credit Union have branches
throughout South Yorkshire and can be contacted on 03030
300010.
Credit unions offer an easy way to save and financial services
such as low-cost loans.
I'm in debt and the doorstep money lender seems my only
way out
Don't be tempted by the cash offered to you by an illegal money
lender on your doorstep.
If you are in debt and need help it is best to get advice
straight away, for example, from your local Citizens Advice bureau.
You can find your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau by visiting their
site.
Visit the Directgov
Managing Debt section, for information around all aspects
of debt.
For free information and advice about debt, ring National
Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or visit the National
Debtline website.
You can also find out more on our 'Managing
money problems' page.
A doorstep lender is harassing me, what should I
do?
If you are being harassed, you should contact Doncaster Council
Trading Standards, email trading.standards@doncaster.gov.uk ,
or telephone 01302 737529 or
737590.
If you are threatened or feel frightened, you should contact the
police.
Should I buy from a doorstep seller?
Some doorstep sellers will be genuine tradespeople. However,
many are not and you need to be careful. Don't be pressurised into
buying something you don't want or can't afford. Look out for high
interest rates – always remember to ask what the total cost of the
goods or service will be including any charges and interest
added.
Remember that doorstep sellers must have a licence to sell you
goods and services on credit if they are not on their trade
premises.
Find out more about dealing with doorstep sellers and your rights
on the Direct Gov website.
If you are thinking of buying a product or a service, get advice
first on the Direct Gov website.
You can also contact Doncaster Council Trading Standards, email
trading.standards@doncaster.gov.uk ,
telephone 01302 737529 or 737552, or
visit the Doncaster Council Trading Standards website.