CHESHIRE Trading Standards and the West Cheshire Credit Union are joining forces to combat illegal loan sharks.
The council says unscrupulous money lenders are operating on some of the largest housing estates across the borough and charging interest rates rocketing into the thousands.
According to he authority, some are backing up demands for payments with threats of violence or damage, preying on residents struggling to find the cash to pay for Christmas.
PEOPLE wanting to report loan shark activities should ring the Illegal Money Lending team on 0300 555 2222.
